Reincarnated in DXD(rewrite)

Chapter 16: 5 years



---Five Years Later----

Years have passed, and the world has changed significantly since Maxius, Kei, and Katsumi mysteriously vanished.

In the human realm, a massive corporation named Helios Technology has taken the world by storm. They revolutionized the tech industry with their cutting-edge smartphones, advanced autopilot navigation systems, and have now entered the automobile sector, becoming a household name.

Meanwhile, the supernatural world has seen equally dramatic shifts. A mysterious island known as Stardust Island emerged in the human realm. This enigmatic land is managed by Nexus Corporation in partnership with the reformed Vepar Family under Lilitfa Vepar, along with support from a branch of the Forneus family. Stardust Island has become a crucial economic hub in the mythological world, serving as a neutral ground where factions can conduct business without fear of conflict. Shops, businesses, casinos, and even a massive theme park have sprung up, making the island a bustling center of commerce. Anyone wishing to operate a business must pay a 20% tax, with all affairs managed by a striking red-haired woman representing Nexus Corporation.

Among the island's main attractions is the renowned Phantom House, the largest auction house on Stardust Island. Every three years, it hosts a special auction that draws mythological forces from across the world, offering rare and unique items. One such prized item is the Lineage Fruit, capable of granting unique abilities to anyone except gods. When the Lineage Fruit first appeared, it caused widespread confusion and intrigue. The first fruit, known as the Smoke Fruit, was sold to a member of the Vatican. To prove its authenticity, the buyer was asked to consume it publicly in exchange for a 50% discount. Upon eating it, the man's body transformed into white smoke, shocking the audience and igniting a frenzy for future fruits. Since then, ten Lineage Fruits have been auctioned every three years, with previous buyers including the Vatican, fallen angels, devils, and gods from various pantheons.

Despite countless attempts, none of the factions have successfully replicated the Lineage Fruit, keeping its origin shrouded in mystery.

In recent years, the Khaos Brigade has become increasingly active, orchestrating a series of enigmatic and destructive events that have unsettled the mythological world. Three years ago, a colossal battle erupted in the Middle East, drawing the attention of every major faction as its sheer scale left a vast region uninhabitable. Rumors spread about the involvement of ancient beings wielding forgotten powers.

More recently, an even stranger incident occurred: an island in the Pacific vanished entirely without a trace, leaving behind nothing but a solitary boulder that emitted a faint, pulsating magical aura. This inexplicable phenomenon has led to wild speculation, with some believing it to be a result of experimental magic gone wrong, while others suspect the awakening of an ancient, slumbering force. The mythological community remains on edge, fearing what the Khaos Brigade might unleash next.

During this time, Rias Gremory relocated to the human realm with her servants and Luna, settling in Kuoh Town and enrolling at Kuoh Academy. Meanwhile, Ko remained in the underworld to care for Milicas, who now sees him as an older brother. Despite the passage of time, Venelana Gremory has not given up her search for Maxius and Katsumi, doubling the bounty for their return. This increased reward has attracted numerous bounty hunters, forcing Maxius and Katsumi to constantly stay on the move.

Unbeknownst to most, a hidden island floats high in the clouds, its size rivaling that of Japan. This secret sanctuary, meticulously designed and constructed by Goro under Maxius' direct orders, is a marvel of both engineering and magic. The island's landscape is diverse, featuring lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and towering cliffs, all brimming with magical energy that nourishes the ecosystem. It is home to an array of flying Devi-beasts, many of which are unique and ancient species not seen in the underworld. Some of these creatures possess powerful elemental abilities, making them valuable allies and guardians of the island. Beyond its role as a sanctuary, the island serves as a hidden training ground for Maxius and his closest Peerage, equipped with specialized facilities designed to enhance their combat skills and refine their mastery of magic.

A stunning young woman with long silver hair that shimmered like moonlight and golden eyes that gleamed with intensity, clad in a tight black and blue dress that accentuated her hourglass figure and highlighted her well-toned physique, approached the island's grand central mansion. The mansion itself stood as a testament to elegance, with intricate wooden architecture and surrounded by sakura trees in full bloom, their pink petals gently falling to the ground. Riding atop a majestic green Devi-beast that resembled an eastern dragon, its scales gleaming with an iridescent hue, she landed gracefully at the mansion's entrance. As the Devi-beast folded its wings and lowered its head respectfully, a line of well-dressed servants formed, bowing deeply in unison to greet her arrival.

"Take me to him," she commands.

"As you wish, madam. Please follow me," the head butler responds, leading her through the mansion to a luxurious hot spring bathhouse.

As they approach, a voice speaks. "So, you're worried about him."

The woman turns to see a young man with long crimson hair cascading over his shoulders, clad in priest-like robes intricately embroidered with silver skull motifs. His piercing eyes carried a calm yet imposing presence, and strapped to his waist were two intricately designed holstered guns, each bearing arcane symbols etched along the barrels. Her expression hardened as she took in his composed demeanor, clearly unfazed by the tension in the air.

"Of course, I am! Why aren't you?" she retorts angrily.

"Because I am his knight. I trust in his strength," the man replies calmly.

"I agree with the idiot," another voice adds, carrying a teasing undertone that breaks through the tense atmosphere. The speaker is a man with long, flowing black hair streaked with striking red highlights, his golden eyes gleaming mischievously in the dim light. Two sharp, imposing horns curve backward from his head, lending him a fierce, otherworldly appearance. Perched casually atop the bathhouse gate, he exudes a confident, nonchalant aura, one hand resting on the hilt of a sword sheathed at his waist while the other idly twirls a stray lock of hair. Dressed in an elaborately embroidered kimono featuring a swirling dragon motif, he grins broadly. "Maxius is strong. He'll be fine."

"Who are you calling an idiot, horned freak?"

"I'm a proud oni, thank you very much."

Both men reach for their weapons, tension rising.

"ENOUGH!"

A sudden, overwhelming pressure fills the air, causing the very ground beneath them to tremble as an invisible force radiates from the silver-haired woman. Her golden eyes glowed with an otherworldly brilliance, and the sheer intensity of her magical aura caused nearby stones to crack and shatter. The air grew thick, making it difficult to breathe, and an oppressive silence fell over the area. Unable to withstand the immense pressure, the two men immediately bow their heads in submission, sweat forming on their brows from the strain.

"Our apologies, Katsumi," they say in unison, their voices strained but respectful.

"Enough. Take me to him," she orders.

They lead Katsumi into the bathhouse, a grand structure adorned with intricate carvings and surrounded by lush greenery. As they enter, the temperature rises noticeably, and the air becomes thick with the soothing scent of minerals and herbs infused into the waters. They arrive at the centerpiece—a large hot spring emanating a soft glow, its surface shimmering with radiant magical energy and intense heat. This spring, meticulously designed by Maxius and skillfully constructed by Goro, is renowned for its unparalleled healing properties, capable of restoring even the most severely depleted energy reserves and mending deep physical wounds.

Around the spring, Stella, clad in an elegant yet practical outfit tailored for both agility and protection, stands with her arms crossed, a calm but alert presence radiating from her. Her long hair is tied back in a braid, revealing sharp, focused eyes that flicker between concern and confidence. Beside her is Nox, his golden eyes narrowed in deep concentration as he observes the rippling waters, every muscle in his body coiled like a spring ready to act. At their feet, a small white creature named Kei paces back and forth anxiously, his tiny claws clicking softly against the stone floor as he glances repeatedly at the spring, his large, expressive eyes filled with worry for Maxius.

"How is Maxius?" Katsumi asks.

"The young master's wounds have healed. He's just replenishing his energy now," Nox replies.

Suddenly, a hand emerges from the water, radiating a crimson and black magical aura. Nox hands Maxius a towel as he steps out of the spring, revealing his now 18-year-old form. He has long, shoulder-length crimson hair and a lean, muscular build, his flawless skin marred by a massive scar running from his right shoulder to his left hip.

"That bastard got me good," Maxius says with a wry smile. "But I made sure to return the favor. This scar will take at least six months to fully heal."

Kei flies into Maxius' chest, tears streaming down his face. "You're okay! You're okay!" the little creature cries.

Katsumi walks up to Maxius, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You almost died," she whispers.

"Don't worry. That just shows how strong my opponent was. I just need to get stronger," Maxius says reassuringly. "Besides, it's almost time for me to go home and see my family." With his arm around Katsumi and Kei perched on his head, he begins to walk away, Nox and Stella following closely behind.

Watching from a distance, Christian and Tadashi exchange glances.

"Did you see that scar?" Christian asks.

"Yes. It should have disappeared with Maxius' healing abilities and the hot spring's power. That means the wound still carries residual energy, which will take time to purge before it fully heals," Tadashi explains.

"That must mean he figured out how to use Haki after fighting Maxius a few times."

"Well, they don't call him the King of Heroes and the Wedge of Heaven for nothing


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