I stared into the ornate full-length mirror, my hands trembling as they gripped the edges of the marble sink. The face staring back at me wasn't mine; rather, it wasn't the face I remembered having.
"What in the actual hell is happening?" I whispered, leaning closer to examine my reflection.
Blonde hair swept back stylishly and arrogantly, sharp blue eyes that seemed to have a permanent smugness, and handsome features that were unmistakably anime-like in their perfection. I was looking at Riser Phenex from High School DxD, an anime my younger brother had been obsessed with for months.
"Okay, breathe. Just breathe," I muttered, trying to slow my racing heart. "Is this reincarnation? Transmigration? Some cosmic joke?"
I straightened up, noticing the impeccably tailored burgundy suit that hugged my new body. The material was expensive, far more luxurious than anything I'd ever worn before. Golden cufflinks shaped like small flames adorned my wrists, catching the light with every slight movement.
"But why am I dressed like this? And why Riser of all characters?" I turned to examine my profile, still not quite believing what I was seeing.
A soft knock at the door interrupted my existential crisis.
"Riser-sama," a feminine voice called through the door, respectful but insistent. "The wedding guests have started arriving. Your father is asking for you to make your appearance soon."
Wedding guests? My stomach dropped as fragmented memories suddenly flooded my consciousness, memories that weren't mine yet somehow were. Images of elaborate preparations, magical contracts, and a beautiful red-haired girl looking at me with barely concealed contempt.
"Oh, shit," I breathed as realization dawned. "I'm the groom. I'm marrying that spoiled brat Rias Gremory."
The name came to me automatically, as more of Riser's memories rushed into my mind. I gripped the counter harder, feeling dizzy as information poured in, knowledge of the Underworld, of Devil society, of my supposed family and position.
"So I'm Riser Phenex," I said aloud, testing the name on my tongue. "Third son of the prestigious House of Phenex." I let out a humorless laugh. "Great. I'm some cannon fodder nobody that's just a stepping stone for that perverted dragon."
I knew enough about the series to understand my fate, Riser Phenex was destined to lose to Issei Hyoudou in a humiliating battle, all for the sake of the protagonist's glory. I was nothing but an arrogant obstacle meant to be overcome and forgotten.
As if responding to my grim realization, a translucent blue screen suddenly materialized before me, the text glowing with an ethereal light.
[DING!!! TEMPLATE SYSTEM INSTALLING 36%... 69%...]
I jumped back, nearly tripping over an expensive-looking chair. "What the—"
[DING!!! TEMPLATE SYSTEM INSTALLED. WELCOME RISER PHENEX]
[DING!!! SPIN THE WHEEL FOR A FREE TEMPLATE]
I stared at the floating interface, my mind racing. This wasn't part of the original High School DxD storyline. Some kind of system? Like those Chinese cultivation novels?
"It sounds like a scam," I muttered, cautiously approaching the screen. "But I don't have a choice since the old Riser lost the upcoming battle. I'll end up far worse if I don't take this risk."
I paced the lavish bathroom, weighing my options. The original Riser had power but lacked real combat experience beyond privileged training. He relied on his immortality and regeneration rather than skill. Against someone like Issei, who would be powered by determination, dragon energy, and blatant plot armor, I needed an edge.
"I might not know how to properly fight in this world yet, but if this system can give me something useful..." I trailed off, coming to a decision. "Fine. Let's see what fate has in store."
I faced the screen, took a deep breath, and commanded, "Spin!"
[DING!!! SPINNING....SPINNING...SPINNING]
The virtual wheel on the screen blurred as it rotated rapidly, flashing through dozens of options too quickly for me to read.
"Hurry up!" I hissed, aware that I was expected downstairs for my wedding.
The wheel gradually slowed, finally stopping on a name and image I recognized.
[DING!!! CONGRATULATIONS! YOU GET SHINRA KUSAKABE TEMPLATE]
My eyes widened in surprise and appreciation. Shinra Kusakabe, the Devil's Footprints from Fire Force. A powerful pyrokinetic with superhuman speed who could ignite his feet to propel himself at incredible speeds.
"Sweet," I whispered, a genuine smile forming on my lips for the first time since this bizarre situation began.
But then the screen flashed red warnings.
[ERROR...ERROR..]
[ERROR...NO EVANGELIST TO GIVE BLESSING]
My excitement dimmed. "Of course, there's a catch."
Then, surprisingly:
[DING!!! RECREATING BLESSING WITH MAGIC?]
The system was offering an alternative. I hesitated, uncertain if this would compromise the abilities.
"Will it be weaker?" I asked cautiously.
[DING!!! NEGATIVE]
That was promising. In a world of devils and magic, perhaps the system could replicate the Evangelist's power through other means.
"Ok, do it," I decided.
The screen pulsed with light, and I felt a sudden warmth spreading through my body, starting at my core and flowing outward to my extremities. It concentrated especially in my legs and feet, creating a pleasant tingling sensation.
[DING!!! FINISHED]
I flexed my hands, not feeling immediately different but sensing something new beneath the surface, wanting to be called upon.
"Huh, that was easy," I remarked, somewhat suspicious of how smoothly it had gone. "Can I get a list of the abilities he has?"
[AFFIRMATIVE]
The screen changed to display a detailed list:
{SHINRA KUSAKABE}
Ignition Ability: Fourth Generation PyrokineticAdolla Burst: "Devil's Footprints"Enhanced Speed & MobilityRapid Kicks & Combat TechniquesFire ResistanceEnhanced DurabilityHeightened ReflexesLimited Flight Capabilities
I studied the list carefully, forming plans to utilize these abilities. With Riser's natural phoenix regeneration and Shinra's speed and combat skills, I might stand a chance against what was coming.
Another knock at the door, more insistent this time.
"Riser-sama, please! Your father is becoming impatient, and Lady Rias has arrived with her family."
I took one final look at myself in the mirror. I still had the same blonde hair and the same blue eyes, but there was something different in my expression. While the arrogance remained, it was now tempered by a calculating gleam that the original Riser had never possessed.
"Coming," I called, straightening my tie. "Just needed a moment to prepare."
As I turned to leave, I noticed small flames momentarily flickering around my ankles. The flames were orange and crimson, rather than the golden phoenix fire that was Riser's. I smiled, feeling a surge of confidence.
The game had changed. I wasn't just Riser Phenex anymore, and I certainly wasn't going to be anyone's stepping stone.
"Let the wedding begin," I declared, striding confidently toward the door. "But this time, the story will have a completely different ending."