The moment Yuto stepped into the dining hall, he felt it.
The overwhelming pressure of mana. Not the kind that crushed him physically, but the kind that made his instincts scream to be careful. Very careful. He felt like one wrong move meant death.
The room itself was massive, far larger than any normal dining space had the right to be. A long, polished table stretched across the center, lit by elegant chandeliers that cast a soft golden glow over everything. It was very apparent the Gremory Family was quite wealthy.
It was beautiful. Refined, yet dangerous. Even though Rias had told him moments earlier a run down of everybody he was going to meet and their names, he still felt uneasy. Their descriptions made him realize the true current state of his abilities.
"Stay close," Rias said quietly beside him.
For once, there was no teasing in her voice. Only seriousness.
Yuto nodded slightly. "Yeah. I get it."
They stepped forward together. That's when he saw them. At the head of the table sat a man with crimson hair, older than Rias, but carrying an almost overwhelming presence of calm authority.
Zeoticus Gremory.
The head of the Gremory Clan. Even without knowing who he was, Yuto would've known. This man ruled over the family. He looked kind and welcoming upon first glance, but Yuto could tell immense power hide behind that smile. Beside him sat a woman of incredible beauty, her expression warm, elegant, and welcoming.
Venelana Gremory.
There was kindness in her eyes, but also a quiet strength that made it clear she was far from fragile. To the right, Yuto's breath hitched for a split second. A man with the same crimson hair as Rias, but his aura was something else entirely.
It wasn't oppressive. It wasn't violent. It was absolute.
Sirzechs Lucifer.
Yuto didn't need an introduction to know, this man could erase him without effort.
Next to him sat a small child, swinging his legs slightly under the chair, eyes bright with curiosity as he looked around the room until his eyes settled on Yuto with a genuine bright smile.
Millicas Gremory.
And finally, standing beside the table, composed and flawless, a silver-haired woman in a maid uniform. Her posture perfect. Her presence was cold with mana, but she wore a nice smile. Elegant. Terrifying. The wife of Sirzechs Lucifer.
Grayfia Lucifuge
Yuto's instincts flared harder than ever.
"Father, Mother," Rias spoke, her tone respectful but natural. "I've brought him."
All eyes turned to Yuto at once. For a brief moment, silence. Yuto didn't flinch. Didn't look away. He met their gazes head-on. Zeoticus was the first to speak with warmth and a hint of interest noted in his voice.
"Welcome," he said calmly, "I presume you are the one Rias has taken into her peerage."
Yuto stepped forward slightly. "Yuto Suzuki," he said. "Nice to meet you."
There was no bow. No hesitation. A faint smile formed on Zeoticus' face as they shook hands.
"You are very confident. That is a good trait," Zeoticus said to Yuto as he gestured for him to sit down at the open spot at the table. Yuto sat down nervously, but remained composed. He thanked Zeoticus for the compliment.
Venelana's expression softened.
"He's quite handsome as well," she said gently, glancing at Rias with a knowing look.
"Mother—" Rias started, slightly flustered.
Sirzechs chuckled lightly. "It seems you've brought home quite the interesting addition, Rias."
Then his eyes landed on Yuto. For a second, he felt like he was being completely seen through.
"…Yuto," Sirzechs said calmly. "I've heard about you."
Yuto tilted his head slightly. "Only good things, I hope."
Sirzechs smiled and laughed, "Of course Yuto! Don't worry. You can be open with us. We just want to know everything so we can use the information to best protect our newest member of our clan."
Zeoticus leaned forward slightly. "Rias has informed us of your SSS-Ranked System Potential. We will keep this secret safe with us as long as we can do so. If it is found out you are of that rank potential before you can reach the power to defend yourself from great threats, you will be in more danger. We will talk with the Principal to come up with a plan while you are enrolled in Celestial Academy. We moved Rias from her intelligence mission at Kuoh Academy to be with you at Celestial Academy as well."
Yuto nodded once,"I appreciate all the help and assistance."
Venelana spoke next, her voice warm. "You must feel overwhelmed. This is all new to you."
Yuto exhaled slightly. "Yeah. But I'll adapt."
Sirzechs smiled again. "I believe that."
Suddenly, a small voice cut through the tension.
"Is it true?!"
Millicas leaned forward, eyes practically shining. "You have an SSS-Ranked System?!"
The entire room paused. Yuto blinked. Then grinned slightly. "Something like that."
Millicas gasped his eyes sparkling like stars,"That's so cool!"
Grayfia placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Millicas," she said calmly. "Proper manners."
"Sorry…" he mumbled, though he was still staring at Yuto like he'd just seen a hero. The tension in the room eased a lot as everybody laughed. The presence of a young bright child such as Millicas really made everything feel better even if the situation was justifiably serious. Then it turned back to become a bit more serious of a conversation.
Zeoticus leaned back in his chair.
"Power attracts attention," he said. "And danger."
Sirzechs nodded.
"You will be targeted," he added calmly. "By enemies you cannot yet comprehend."
Yuto met his gaze. "Then I'll just have to get stronger."
A small silence followed. Then Sirzechs smiled. A genuine one. "Good answer kid."
The main course service began shortly after. The atmosphere shifted. It became more normal and casual. Almost. Conversations flowed. Venelana asked Yuto about his time as a human. Millicas kept sneaking glances at him, clearly still fascinated with the potential of this being next to him. Rias stayed close, occasionally stepping in when things got too personal.
Even Grayfia observed him with quiet interest.
But beneath it all, Yuto could still feel it. Power. Everywhere. These weren't just normal Devils. They were true powerful monsters at the top of the Underworld. And somehow, He was sitting at their table. As dinner came to an end, Zeoticus spoke one final time.
"Yuto," he began to say. "You are officially apart of the Gremory Clan. That comes with our protection, support, and usage of our resources. You are no ordinary reincarnated devil. You are a one in a billion, if not trillion, being in this world to be capable of such limitless potential. We will make sure you can grow into your true potential and be safe."
Thank you for that," Yuto said. "It truly means a lot to me that I am given a second chance at life. Out of curiosity, may I sometime see a sparring match perhaps between you and somebody else a part of the clan so I can see what the magic power is like at way higher levels than my current self?"
Rias was about to step in and say something in case the question was too much, but Zeoticus just laughed happily in response. "You have some interesting questions boy," Zeoticus smiled. "Sure! Right after dinner I can take my son Sirzechs Lucifer and have a small fight with him to showcase true power to you. With what you see, do not be dismayed, but use it as motivation to reach the potential that has a higher ceiling than ours."
Zeoticus stuck his hand out for Yuto to shake. Zeoticus added on one more thing to say. "If you accept to this special sparring match, do you agree to enroll in Celestial Academy tomorrow? We will have a surprise for you and Rias if you agree. Also, we will talk with the Principal about waiving any entrance exams since you have been training here. The Gremory Clan name carries a lot of weight."
Yuto shook his hand with a nod and a smile. A fire was lit under his eyes. "Deal!"
Yuto noticed Rias was curious as well about the surprise. Something big must be happening at Celestial Academy to warrant such quick transfer with Rias to the Academy. Perhaps, a war was on a rise faster than they could think.
Yuto didn't have too much time to lounge around, for the future was coming to him.