3rd POV
"Thinking"
[Sacred gear talking]
The sun was just beginning to rise over the Gremory estate, painting the training grounds in shades of crimson and gold. The wind carried a faint hum of magic — the kind that vibrated in the air when power was being contained rather than unleashed.
Standing in the center of the wide marble courtyard was Lucien Gremory, now nine years old. He had grown taller and eyes glow crimson, his hair a brilliant crimson like his father's. His body was lean and well-toned from years of rigorous training, and in his hands rested his sword — a sleek black-and-silver blade forged by one of the best blacksmiths in the Gremory clan territory, balanced perfectly for his style. By his request it matches the size of Gram so Lucien can get used to using it.
Before him stood his mentor, Souji Okita, Sirzechs' personal Knight and one of the greatest swordsmen in the Underworld. His calm, steady gaze was as cutting as the blade he carried — a master's presence that could silence even the wind.
At the edge of the courtyard, Sirzechs, Grayfia, Zeoticus, and Venelana watched quietly from their seats, even some mansion's staff were outside watching their young master.
This wasn't just a spar. This was Lucien's final test — four years of training distilled into one battle.
Souji adjusted the hilt of his katana slightly, his expression unreadable.
"Four years ago, your father asked me to make a swordsman out of you," he said, his tone calm yet carrying authority. "I told him talent is nothing without discipline. You've proven you have both."
Lucien nodded silently, lowering his stance. his Crimson Eyes glowed — taking in each detail ready for the fight.
Souji smirked faintly. "No magic, no demonic power. Only the blade. You pass if you can push me to draw my second sword."
Lucien smirked. "Then I'll make you use both before this day ends."
Sirzechs chuckled softly from the sidelines, crossing his arms. "He really is my son."
Grayfia gave a proud yet worried smile. "Let's hope he dosen't get to injured."
The air shifted. In a blur faster than the human eye could follow, Souji moved — a flicker of silver, his blade flashing toward Lucien's throat.
CLANG!
Lucien caught the strike perfectly, sparks flying. The impact sent a shudder through the ground as the two locked eyes. Lucien twisted his wrist, redirecting the force and countering with a swift upward slash. Souji parried easily, his movement fluid — elegant yet lethal.
What followed was a symphony of steel.
Lucien pressed forward with relentless speed, his blade singing through the air in tight arcs. Souji met every strike with precision, his defense effortless. Each clash rang like a drumbeat — a dance between master and student.
Lucien feinted low and spun high, aiming for Souji's shoulder. Souji sidestepped, his blade grazing Lucien's cheek — a shallow cut, but proof that even the smallest opening could be fatal.
"Your control has improved," Souji said between exchanges, parrying another blow. "You've learned to read intent, not motion."
Lucien grinned, sweat dripping down his brow. "Had to, otherwise I'd still be face-down every spar."
He stepped back, took a breath, then launched forward with Flash Fang, one of Souji signature technique — a high-speed thrust that split into three afterimages. Souji's eyes narrowed, blade flashing once. All three slashes were intercepted before Lucien even touched him.
"Good. But you're still showing your hips before committing to the attack."
Lucien clicked his tongue and shifted immediately, chaining the missed strike into a spinning slash that forced Souji to block with both hands.
For a split second, Souji's sleeve tore.
The audience gasped — even Sirzechs's brow lifted in mild surprise.
Lucien grinned. "Got you."
Souji chuckled quietly. "Indeed. You've earned this."
He reached for his second sword.
The atmosphere changed instantly — the pressure doubled, and Lucien's instincts screamed danger. The ground beneath his feet cracked slightly from the spiritual weight Souji now emitted.
Souji vanished.
Lucien barely crossed his blades in time to block a lightning-fast horizontal strike, the impact forcing him back several meters. He dug his heels into the marble, eyes burning with focus. Souji pressed the assault with terrifying precision, his twin blades weaving in perfect harmony — each swing calculated, each movement efficient.
Lucien moved on instinct. Duck, parry, spin, deflect. His arms burned, his breathing became ragged, but his eyes never lost their spark. He refused to yield.
At one point, he found an opening — a single heartbeat of opportunity — and lunged with everything he had. Souji twisted aside, their blades crossing in an X. For a moment, neither moved.
Then — crack!
Lucien's sword split slightly at the edge.
He froze as Souji's blade rested lightly against his neck, not cutting, but close enough to end the fight.
Silence filled the courtyard. The tension broke when Souji stepped back, sheathing his swords.
"That's enough."
Lucien exhaled slowly, dropping to one knee, sweat dripping from his chin. His sword arm trembled — not from fear, but from exhaustion.
Souji smiled faintly. "You've passed, Lucien. You may not have won, but you forced me to draw both blades — something few devils alive can claim."
Sirzechs stood, clapping proudly. "That's my boy!"
Grayfia smiled softly, her eyes filled with pride. "You did wonderfully, Lucien."
Venelana dabbed at her eyes. "Our grandson… already fighting like a warrior."
Zeoticus laughed heartily. "Next time, I expect him to win!"
Lucien looked up at Souji. "So that's it? I've finally passed?"
Souji nodded. "You've learned everything I can teach you. From here on, the only path to growth lies in life-and-death battles. Your blade will evolve with your will — not my lessons."
Lucien slowly stood, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Then it's time for you to keep your promise."
Sirzechs raised an eyebrow. "You mean—"
Lucien nodded, determination blazing in his eyes. "Yeah. It's time I went to claim Gram."
Souji smirked, the faintest hint of pride showing in his eyes.
"Then may your sword be sharp, your mind clear, and your heart unbroken. From this point forward, Lucien Gremory… you walk your own path."
The wind howled through the courtyard as the crimson-haired young devil sheathed his cracked blade — a small, proud smile crossing his face.
As everyone stepped back inside the mansion, a maid approached Lucien and Souji carrying a tray with neatly folded towels and two glasses of cold water.
"Please take these, Sir Souji, Young Master," the maid said, bowing respectfully.
"Thank you, Lily," Lucien replied with a warm smile.
The moment she met his eyes, Lily's cheeks turned pink. She quickly bowed again and stepped back, trying to hide her flustered expression.
Lucien wiped the sweat and dirt from his face and arms before downing the glass in one go. Souji followed suit, calm and composed as always. When they finished, both handed the items back to Lily, who bowed once more and walked away quietly.
Souji adjusted his sword, giving Lucien a small nod. "You've done well, Lucien. Remember what I said—your blade will only grow sharper through real battle."
Lucien bowed respectfully. "Thank you for everything, Souji."
Souji gave a rare smile before activating a teleportation circle beneath his feet. With a soft shimmer of light, he vanished.
The Gremory family continued through the halls until they reached the grand library. When they stepped inside, they found a small girl sitting at a desk surrounded by floating books and glowing runes.
She had long crimson hair and bright blue eyes—Rias Gremory, the four-year-old daughter of Zeoticus and Venelana, little sister of Sirzechs, and Lucien's aunt. She was currently finishing her lesson with her private tutor—the same one who had once tried teaching Lucien before realizing he was a prodigy who absorbed everything faster than any instructor could manage.
The tutor bowed as he packed up his materials and excused himself just as Rias looked up and saw her family.
Her face lit up instantly. "Luci!"
Before anyone could react, Rias shot across the room like a red missile, slamming straight into Lucien with enough force to make him stumble back a step.
"Luci, did you pass!?" she asked excitedly, hugging him tightly.
Lucien chuckled, patting her head. "Of course I did! Who do you think I am? Lucien Gremory, the future strongest devil!" he declared proudly.
Rias gasped and puffed out her chest, hands on her hips. "Yeah! No one can beat my nephew!"
That line sent everyone in the room into laughter. Even Grayfia had to hide her smile behind her hand.
When the laughter died down, Rias tugged on Lucien's sleeve with wide, pleading eyes. "Can we go watch anime in my room, Luci? Please?"
Sirzechs immediately clutched his chest like he'd been struck by divine light. "She's too cute! My little sister is too precious!" he cried dramatically.
Grayfia sighed and shook her head. "Honestly, you're hopeless."
Lucien rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Sorry, Rias… I have something important to do with Dad first. But when I come back, we'll watch as many episodes as you want, okay?"
Rias's bottom lip quivered, her big blue eyes turning watery. Lucien froze—his Crimson Eyes made every emotion she showed unforgettable. Just when he was about to cave, Venelana saved him.
"Now, Rias," she said gently, "Lucien has something very important to handle. How about we review your lessons first to make sure you were paying attention? Then we can go visit Evelyn and Sona for tea."
Rias's mood flipped instantly. Her eyes sparkled. "Yay! Let's go to the tea party now, Mommy!"
She grabbed her mother's hand and began dragging her out of the library.
Venelana chuckled, allowing herself to be pulled along. Before leaving, she looked at Grayfia. "Please accompany us, Grayfia."
"Of course, My Lady." Grayfia bowed politely, then turned to her son. There was gentle worry in her eyes. "Lucien, please be careful. If Gram rejects you… let go. Don't risk your life over it."
Lucien smiled softly. "I'll be fine, Mom. By the time I return, I'll be the first true wielder of Gram. I promise I'll be careful."
Grayfia nodded, her expression softening before she followed Venelana and Rias out of the room.
Lucien turned toward his grandfather, who was stroking his beard with a grin. "You're coming with us, right, Grandpa?"
Zeoticus chuckled. "Of course, Lucien. It's not every day I get to witness someone attempt to tame Gram, the strongest demon sword in existence. Besides, I want to record the moment. Once you succeed, I'll finally have something to brag about to Sebastian and Ray."
Lucien tilted his head. "You really think I'll tame it?"
Zeoticus placed a hand on his grandson's shoulder. "Of course I do. I've watched your growth these last four years. You were born a Super Devil—and you possess the Gremory's Crimson Eyes, something only our ancestor ever had. You've already defied fate, Lucien. This will just be another step forward."
Sirzechs smiled proudly, resting a hand on his son's head. "He's right. We all believe in you. Your mother's just worried—mothers always are. Come on, let's go. The testing chamber awaits."
With a wave of Sirzechs's hand, a large teleportation circle formed beneath them, glowing crimson. The three Gremory men vanished in a flash of red light—reappearing moments later in Lucifaad, the capital city of the Underworld.
They stood inside a massive chamber — part of the Weapon Vault, where legendary artifacts and cursed weapons were sealed away. The room was a breathtaking fusion of magic and science, its dark walls pulsing with blue energy lines and intricate runes.
At the far end stood two figures waiting for them: a tall man with slicked-back green hair and calm eyes — Ajuka Beelzebub — and beside him, a short woman with long black pigtails dressed in a pink magical-girl outfit sparkling with stars — Serafall Leviathan.
The moment Lucien stepped out of the teleportation circle, Serafall squealed with joy and tackled him in a hug, peppering his cheeks with kisses.
"Luuuuuciii! It's so good to see you!" she shouted, squeezing him tight. "Thanks to you and that wonderful clone spell of yours, I've had more free time than I've had in centuries! I can finally spend so much time with my adorable So-tan!"
Lucien just stood there, completely deadpan, as everyone else sweat-dropped at the sight.
Sirzechs pinched the bridge of his nose. "Serafall, please… let my son breathe before he passes out."
Serafall giggled and finally released him, spinning dramatically. "Fiiine~ But only because I love Luci too much to squish him!"
Lucien sighed, straightening his shirt. "It's good to see you too, Lady Serafall… I think."
"Is the clone spell really that big of a deal? I mean, I'm pretty sure anyone could've invented it. You're all way more knowledgeable than me after all," Lucien said, genuinely confused. Even after four years since he first showed his father and Ajuka the spell, they still brought it up constantly.
Ajuka sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
"You don't understand what you've created, Lucien. It's not just a clone spell — it's the secret weapon in the eternal war against paperwork. Every leader in every faction, regardless of race or title, drowns in it. Whether they do it themselves or delegate, the problem never goes away. Your spell… changed that."
Lucien blinked, not sure if he should feel proud or concerned.
Serafall twirled her wand dramatically, puffing out her chest with pride.
"He's absolutely right! I've been using your spell as a bargaining chip between factions — and it's working wonders! Azazel already traded us a portion of his Sacred Gear research just to get access to it. And I'm currently negotiating with Zeus himself for celestial bronze shipments and trade rights in exchange for it!"
Lucien stared at her blankly. "…You're joking. A God King and one of the smartest Fallen Angels in existence are trading classified research and divine metal... for a spell to handle paperwork?"
Serafall beamed. "Yep!"
Lucien ran a hand down his face. "Unbelievable. You're all supposed to be geniuses. How has no one thought of this before?"
Ajuka chuckled softly, folding his arms.
"It's not that we couldn't have made it. We just… never thought of it. Even the most brilliant minds have blind spots. We've all lived for millennia, but that doesn't mean we know everything. Sometimes, the simplest ideas escape us."
Lucien groaned, facepalming hard enough to make a soft thud echo in the chamber.
Sirzechs and Zeoticus burst out laughing, unable to contain themselves.
Ajuka shook his head, an amused smile forming on his lips.
"Well then… with that out of the way, shall we begin?"
Everyone stood at the back of the chamber with serious looks on their faces as Lucien stepped forward. The room was silent — the only sound was the hum of ancient magic thrumming through the air.
Lucien stopped in the center, and several holographic screens appeared in front of him, each one listing countless legendary weapons sealed within the vault. He scrolled through them slowly until his eyes stopped on a single name — Gram.
He pressed it.
The screens vanished, and the ceiling split open. A large pillar descended from above, stopping right before him. A side panel opened, extending a rack that held the strongest demon sword in existence — Gram.
(Image of Gram here)
The moment it was revealed, a wave of demonic energy flooded the chamber, thick and oppressive. The air seemed to vibrate with power. Even though the Satans were unaffected by it, Zeoticus could feel the immense weight in the air despite being shielded by their auras. A new screen appeared beside them showing a compatibility meter, starting at 0%. If the meter reached 95% or higher, Gram would officially accept its new wielder.
Lucien, feeling the full force of Gram's malice, didn't falter. Instead, his lips curved into a smile of pure excitement.
Gram was magnificent. Nearly four feet long, its crimson-red blade shimmered like molten metal, runes pulsing faintly along the edges. For a boy of nine years old — though already tall at 5'1 — the sword seemed almost his equal in height.
He reached out and wrapped his hand around the hilt. The pillar immediately retracted into the ceiling, leaving Lucien alone in the center of the room.
Then — silence.
A heartbeat later, Gram exploded with dark energy. The floor cracked beneath Lucien's feet as a massive wave of demonic aura blasted outward, trying to hurl him across the room. But Lucien dug in his heels, refusing to move.
Gram growled — as though insulted — and released another surge of energy, trying this time to drain Lucien's life force.
Lucien gritted his teeth, his body trembling as the blade's hunger clawed at his soul. His family watched in alarm — Serafall's smile vanished, even Ajuka's usual calm cracked as he clenched his fists.
Sirzechs took a step forward, eyes blazing. "Ajuka! Do something — Lucien could die!"
But Ajuka raised a hand. "Wait. Look at what he's doing."
They turned back to see Lucien — still standing, both hands gripping Gram — his crimson eyes glowing fiercely.
Lucien's demonic power began to pour into the sword in a steady stream. The air around him shimmered, his aura flaring with a deep, vibrant red. Gram shook violently, its own red glow being devoured by the boy's power.
The meter rose rapidly — 40%, 60%, then 70%.
Lucien glared at the blade, his voice echoing through the room.
"Submit — or be destroyed!"
He unleashed his Power of Destruction, coating the sword in swirling crimson-black energy. The very ground beneath him fractured, and the demonic air became heavy enough to make even the walls tremble.
Gram screamed — its aura clashing violently with his. Then, slowly, its resistance began to fade. The sword stopped fighting. Instead, its own energy began to meld with his.
The red of its blade deepened into crimson, gold accents that pulsed faintly like veins of living power. Its aura receded back into the blade, calm and steady.
The meter hit 100%.
Gram — the Demonic Emperor Sword — had submitted. For the first time since Sigurd, the strongest demon sword had found a true master.
Lucien smiled and raised the sword high. "I hope you're ready for what's ahead, partner. We're aiming for the top."
Gram vibrated lightly in response — as if answering his declaration.
Everyone approached, their expressions shifting from shock to awe.
Zeoticus burst out laughing and clapped Lucien hard on the back. "Hahaha! I knew you could do it, Lucien! My grandson — the one who tamed Gram! I couldn't be prouder!"
Serafall jumped in excitement, stars in her eyes. "That was amazing! You have to come on my show, Luci! You and Gram will send my ratings through the roof!"
Sirzechs smiled proudly, his crimson eyes gleaming. "Incredible, son. For a moment, I was ready to stop the test, but you proved me wrong. You've surpassed my expectations."
Lucien grinned. "Thanks, Dad. It was tough, but nothing I couldn't handle."
Zeoticus tilted his head curiously. "How did you manage it, Lucien? No one else has ever succeeded. Even Souji failed."
Lucien blinked. "Wait — Souji tried to tame Gram?"
Sirzechs nodded. "Years ago. When we found it, Souji gave it a try. But Gram instantly rejected him. He could wield it temporarily, but it resisted him in battle and even tried to drive him insane."
Lucien smirked faintly. "I see. Well… I just threatened it. A sword's useless without a wielder — so I told it I'd destroy it with my Power of Destruction if it didn't submit."
Everyone blinked. Then Sirzechs chuckled behind his hand. "Only you would threaten to destroy the strongest demon sword, Lucien."
Lucien rolled his eyes. "Please, Dad — you're stronger than me. You could've done it too."
Sirzechs shook his head, smiling. "Perhaps. But I wouldn't have tried. Gram's a dragon-slayer sword and a demonic relic — far too valuable to destroy. Thankfully, it's now in the hands of my son."
Ajuka stepped forward, analyzing the sword with fascination. "Incredible. Not only did you tame Gram with perfect compatibility, but it's also absorbed part of your Power of Destruction. Such integration is unheard of outside Sacred Gears."
He waved a hand, and a training dummy materialized across the room. "Lucien, try attacking that dummy. I want to see the level of synchronization between you and Gram."
Lucien nodded and stepped forward, everyone giving him space. He took a deep breath and focused his energy into the blade.
'I've trained for years to perfect this technique… Roger, Shanks — hope you're watching.'
Lucien raised Gram with one hand, his stance calm and focused. Crimson-black lightning began to crackle across the blade, coalescing into pure destructive energy.
He whispered, his tone calm and composed:
"Crimson Departure."
A silent wave of crimson-black energy erupted from the sword — fast, clean, absolute. There was no explosion, no noise — only erasure.
The dummy vanished instantly. The rune-carved wall behind it was sliced clean through, and everything in its path — stone, metal, and magic alike — simply ceased to exist. Half the vault behind the testing chamber was gone, erased from existence.
Lucien exhaled slowly, lowering Gram. "...Whoops. Didn't expect that much power. Sorry about the mess."
Everyone stared in stunned silence. Ajuka's eye twitched.
Zeoticus finally broke into laughter. "That… that was incredible! I knew all those years with Souji would pay off!"
Sirzechs grinned proudly. "That was perfect, Lucien. You combined your will, Gram's aura, and your Power of Destruction flawlessly in one strike."
Serafall bounced in excitement. "That was sooo cool, Luci! You were like 'Crimson Departure!' and poof — everything just vanished!"
Ajuka straightened his glasses. "Fascinating… Gram has completely merged with your Power of Destruction. It's become the perfect conduit for it — stable and unbreakable."
Sirzechs looked at his son curiously. "When did you come up with that attack, anyway?"
Lucien smiled. "About a year ago, with Souji's help. At first, it was just a raw wave of destruction — messy, explosive, inefficient. Souji told me it lacked intent, that it wasn't a sword technique — just power. So I combined my will and destructive force into one pure strike. That's how Crimson Departure was born. But until now, I never had a sword strong enough to handle it."
Everyone nodded in understanding.
Ajuka sighed and turned toward the ruined wall. "I'll… handle repairs later. We'll discuss the implications of this power another time. For now, well done, Lucien."
Serafall giggled and hugged Lucien tightly. "My So-tan's energy is running low, so I have to go recharge! Bye, Luci~!" She vanished in a swirl of pink sparkles.
Sirzechs placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "Let's go home, son. Your mother and grandmother will want to see the recording — and probably faint when they realize you tamed Gram."
Lucien smirked. "Yeah, let's not keep them waiting."
With a glow of crimson light, the Gremory men teleported home — leaving behind a half-destroyed vault.