3rd POV
'Thinking'
[Sacred gear talking]
It's been about a week since Lucien tamed Gram, and the entire Gremory household was still buzzing with excitement. When Sirzechs showed the recording to the family, the reactions had been priceless — Grayfia, Venelana, and little Rias had all watched in awe as Lucien stood victorious, wielding the strongest demon sword in existence. Even the maids and butlers who happened to be nearby had gathered to watch, whispering in amazement.
Regardless of age or status, there was one thing all devils respected — power — and Lucien had once again proven that he possessed it in abundance.
Rias had even grabbed one of her wooden practice swords afterward, swinging it around the living room and yelling, "Crimson Departure!" while pretending to be her nephew. Lucien nearly died of embarrassment as his family roared with laughter.
Now, Lucien stood in the backyard of the Astaroth estate, dressed in his usual black and red training clothes. The morning air was crisp, the scent of dew still fresh in the grass. Across from him stood Latia Astaroth, his closest friend and sparring partner.
She was also nine years old, her long blonde hair shining in the sunlight with faint green tips — a perfect blend of her mother Celene's elegance and her father Ajuka's signature touch. Like Lucien, she wore her training attire — a sleeveless white top and fitted dark pants.
Both children stood in the center of the estate's spacious garden, surrounded by enchanted barriers that shimmered faintly to contain the force of their sparring.
Lucien rested Gram against his shoulder, the blade humming softly with crimson light.
He smiled, his crimson eyes gleaming. "Alright, Latia — ready to pick up where we left off?"
Latia smirked, her emerald aura flaring to life as demonic power began rising around her. "You already know the answer, Luci."
The wind around them shifted — and just like that, the spar began.
Latia spread her arms, her aura flaring a shimmering emerald hue. Rings of demonic runes spun into existence around her, rotating rapidly as she whispered the spell name.
"Chrono Stasis!"
A translucent sphere formed in the air and shot toward Lucien, followed by two more. Each orb shimmered with time-based energy, orbiting him with precise, calculated movements.
Lucien swung Gram once.A crimson-black slash of destruction cut through all three orbs effortlessly — the air shattering with each swing.
"Heh… still not fast enough," he teased.
Latia smirked. "Then how about this?"
Her eyes glowed bright green. Time magic flared around her feet, and in the next instant, she vanished.
Lucien's eyes tracked her instantly — his Crimson Eyes catching her movements as if the world slowed just for him.
She reappeared behind him, thrusting a glowing hand forward, firing off a condensed bolt of demonic energy. Lucien tilted his head, the blast sailing harmlessly past him before he flicked Gram, cutting it in two mid-air.
"Your speed's getting better," he said, turning smoothly. "You almost fooled me that time."
Latia reappeared a few meters away, panting slightly but grinning. "You're lying. You saw me from the start."
Lucien chuckled. "Maybe."
The two clashed again. Latia blurred across the yard, accelerating her body with Time Acceleration, leaving shimmering afterimages with each movement. To an untrained eye, she looked like she was teleporting — appearing and disappearing from spot to spot with no delay.
Lucien's grin only grew. His stance was relaxed, but his gaze sharp — tracking every movement, every shift in her aura. She hurled multiple orbs of magic at him, but he danced around them, slicing through each one with precise, clean strikes.
Suddenly, Latia raised her hand high. The air around them warped as dozens of glowing spheres appeared midair.
"Chrono Stasis: Grigora!"
Every spell in the area froze — even the faint distortions in the air caused by Lucien's aura were caught. The training field shimmered, locked in temporal stillness.
Lucien blinked once. "Impressive… so you finally mastered it."
Latia smirked triumphantly. "Caught you, Luci. You can't even move right now, can you?"
Lucien tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. Then, crimson aura flared around his body.
With one fluid motion, Gram moved — and every frozen sphere shattered like glass.
Latia gasped. "You—! How did you—?"
Lucien tapped his temple lightly. "Crimson Eyes. I can see the structure of your magic before you cast it. You're freezing time, not thought. Once I trace the core of the spell, I just… cut it."
Latia's mouth fell open, then she groaned. "That's cheating!"
Lucien laughed, twirling Gram lightly. "Not cheating — experience."
She pouted, then clenched her fists, her aura spiking. "Fine! Let's see you dodge this!"
She vanished again, reappearing all around him, each strike faster than the last. Her demonic power blasts clashed against Gram, each impact ringing like a bell.
Lucien blocked, parried, countered — every swing of Gram carving crimson trails in the air. The ground split beneath their feet, magic scattering like sparks.
Despite holding back, Lucien's battle-hungry grin never left his face. His blood sang with the thrill of combat.
Latia's speed increased further, her figure flickering around him like a blur of gold and green light. But no matter how fast she went, his eyes followed effortlessly.
Then, in one swift motion, Lucien moved.
A blur of crimson flashed forward — faster than Latia could react. Gram's edge stopped just short of her neck, the faint hum of its aura brushing her skin.
Latia froze, wide-eyed.
Lucien smiled softly. "Match over."
Latia sighed and dropped her rapier. "Fine, fine! I surrender. Again…"
Lucien sheathed Gram and extended his hand to her. "Good match."
She took it with a small pout. "You're so rough, Luci. My arms are still shaking."
He chuckled and helped her up. "You're getting stronger every day, Latia. A few more years and I might actually have to try."
She crossed her arms, trying to hide her smile. "You say that every time."
"Because it's true," he said with a grin.
The two sat beneath a tree afterward, drinking water and catching their breath. The morning breeze carried the scent of flowers from the nearby gardens.
Latia leaned back on her hands. "You really think I'm improving?"
Lucien nodded. "Definitely. Your Chrono Stasis control is way better than before. But you're still overusing your acceleration. It eats away at your stamina faster than you realize."
She frowned slightly. "You think I should focus more on control than speed?"
"Exactly. You can't just rely on speed alone. You have time magic. You should focus on timing. You've got the power; now you need precision."
Latia nodded thoughtfully. "I'll work on it. Next time, I'll at least make you use your full power."
Lucien smirked. "Looking forward to it."
They sat together in comfortable silence for a while, watching the sunlight glint off the polished blade of Gram. After some time, Lucien stood, brushing off his training clothes.
"Well, I should head back. Mom will kill me if I miss breakfast again."
Latia giggled. "Tell Lady Grayfia I said hi. And don't forget — next time, I'm choosing the rules."
Lucien chuckled, slinging Gram over his shoulder. "Sure thing, Latia. But rules won't save you."
She playfully stuck out her tongue as he waved and began walking back toward the teleportation circle.
As he disappeared in a flash of crimson light, Latia smiled softly to herself. "He's really something… Guess I'll just have to get stronger, too. I don't want to fall behind too much."
Lucien teleported back home, crimson light fading as he appeared in the grand foyer of the Gremory manor. The staff immediately straightened, bowing deeply as he passed.
"Welcome home, young master."
Lucien smiled warmly and waved them off. "Thank you, everyone. Carry on."
He made his way upstairs, took a quick shower, and changed into his casual clothes — a simple black shirt and red trousers. Feeling refreshed, he headed to the dining hall.
The long table gleamed beneath the chandelier's soft light. Zeoticus, Venelana, and Rias were already seated, enjoying breakfast. Grayfia, ever the perfect maid, stood gracefully at attention behind them, ready to serve.
Lucien approached and kissed his mother's cheek, earning a small, rare smirk from her before she composed herself again. He then kissed his grandmother's cheek and ruffled Rias's hair, making her giggle.
Taking his seat beside her, Grayfia placed a plate of pancakes in front of him.
"Thanks, Mom," Lucien said, smiling as he took a bite. The taste confirmed it — his mother had made his portion herself.
"Anytime, Lucien," Grayfia replied, resuming her poised stance.
Venelana sipped her tea, eyes glinting playfully. "So, Lucien… did you enjoy your date with Latia?"
Lucien rolled his eyes and swallowed. "It wasn't a date, Grandma. Just a training session."
Zeoticus chuckled, winking at his wife. "Oh, come now, Lucien. You're a Gremory — women love us. Just look at your grandmother. She's still stunning. If I were anyone else, I'd never stand a chance."
Venelana giggled softly behind her napkin while Rias busied herself with her food.
"Oh hush, dear," she said, playfully swatting Zeoticus's arm. Then her gaze softened as she looked at Lucien. "I'm only teasing you, sweetheart. But remember, it is your duty one day to find a bride. We've rejected plenty of offers — devils who only want the Gremory name or to add a potential Super Devil to their bloodline. You have time, of course, but Latia is such a sweet girl."
Lucien nodded politely. "I know, Grandma. Don't worry — I won't forget my duty."
Venelana smiled proudly. "Good. We're very proud of you, little Luci."
Lucien's ears went red. "Grandma—!"
Rias immediately burst out laughing. "Hahaha! That's right, little Luci!"
Lucien glared at her. "Shut up, Rias! And I'm not that little anymore!"
Venelana only smiled fondly. "You'll always be my baby grandson, Lucien — no matter how old you get. In fact, I still baby your father sometimes."
Zeoticus laughed loudly. "Hah! That boy — a Satan now, but still the same kid who cried for an hour when he accidentally destroyed his guitar with magic."
Lucien chuckled. "Speaking of Dad, where is he?"
Grayfia answered from behind him. "Your father is in his office handling work."
Lucien tilted his head. "Really? I thought with the clone spell he wouldn't need to be there in person."
Grayfia nodded. "He does have a clone handling paperwork today. The real him is dealing with a few personal matters — specifically, a stray devil incident in one of our territories."
Lucien's eyes lit up. "A stray devil? Can I go see him? I wanted to ask him something anyway."
Grayfia hesitated, but nodded. "You've finished your classes and have no duties today. Very well. I'll accompany you — just to make sure your father isn't slacking off."
After breakfast, Lucien said his goodbyes. He and Grayfia teleported to Lucifaad, appearing just outside Sirzechs's office building.
The moment they appeared, murmurs spread through the crowd.
"Look, it's Lady Grayfia and her son!""That's Lord Lucien — the Super Devil child, right?""I'd give anything to join his peerage.""Lady Grayfia is breathtaking as always…"
Lucien sighed quietly. He walked with perfect posture his grandmother and mother had drilled that habit into him for years.
Once they entered the building, the guards immediately bowed and opened the door for them. Inside, Lucien let out another sigh.
"Are they always like that?" he muttered.
Grayfia gave a faint smirk. "Devils, especially the lower class, revere power. Most have never seen the higher nobility in person. Aside from being my son, you are the heir of Lord Lucifer himself — and a Super Devil. You'll have to get used to the attention."
Lucien groaned softly but followed her through the halls.
When they reached Sirzechs's office, the guards bowed again and opened the door. Inside, one clone of Sirzechs was diligently filling out paperwork, while the real Sirzechs sat on the couch, speaking into a glowing magic circle.
When the clone noticed them, it immediately dispelled itself. Sirzechs waved them over, gesturing for Lucien to sit.
Lucien caught part of his father's conversation.
"You said there's been a string of murders in Karakura Town? Bodies mutilated or devoured... Likely a stray devil. That area borders Kuoh — Cleria oversees that territory. We can't afford trouble; our relations with the Shinto and Yokai factions are fragile enough. I'll send someone to handle it immediately."
Lucien's eyes widened slightly.'Karakura Town? Isn't that where Ichigo lives? Don't tell me Bleach exists in this world too… And Cleria's still alive? Maybe I can help her — keep her from dying. That would stop Diehauser from betraying us later…'
Sirzechs ended the call and turned toward his son with a sigh. "Sorry about that, Lucien. I've got a bit of a situation to handle. Could we talk later?"
Lucien shook his head. "No problem, Dad. What's going on in Karakura Town?"
Sirzechs leaned back. "A stray devil's made its lair there — killing humans. I need to have it eliminated quickly before it becomes a political mess. Amaterasu's already on my case."
Lucien smiled. "Then let me help."
Both Sirzechs and Grayfia blinked.
Sirzechs raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, son?"
Lucien leaned forward. "Let me go to Karakura and take care of it myself. If you send me, it shows the Shinto and Yokai factions how serious you are — that the Lucifer family is personally committed to maintaining peace. Plus, I've never been to the human world before. This is the perfect opportunity to test myself outside training."
Grayfia's eyes widened. "Absolutely not! You're only nine! The human world is dangerous — if your father's enemies find you, you could be kidnapped or worse!"
Lucien met her glare with determination. "Mom, I'm not helpless. I'm a Super Devil — trained by Dad and Souji. In my base form, I can fight peak High-Class devils; with Gram, I'm at least a initial Ultimate-Class and in my true form who knows what I can do. I can handle one stray devil. Please I need this chance to grow."
Grayfia's voice hardened. "Still no! I won't let my son wander into danger. Sirzechs, tell him no!"
Sirzechs sighed, raising a hand. "Enough."
Both mother and son turned toward him.
"I'll allow it," he said calmly.
Lucien grinned and threw his hands up. "Thanks, Dad!"
"Sirzechs!" Grayfia snapped, glaring daggers.
He held up a hand again. "Peace, Grayfia. Our son has to grow. Training only goes so far. He's strong enough to handle this, and his Crimson Eyes make him nearly impossible to ambush. He'll be fine."
Lucien nodded eagerly. "See, Mom? I'll be careful."
Grayfia still glared, but said nothing.
Sirzechs looked at Lucien seriously. "You can go — but under conditions. You have one week to find and eliminate the stray. You'll check in every day. If you miss even one, I'll send Grayfia or Enku to retrieve you — and trust me, you won't like the punishment. Also do not use your true form unless you are in a life or death situation, you could destroy the entire town or worse all of Japan. Understood?"
Lucien straightened. "Understood. I won't let you down, Dad."
"Good. Speak to MacGregor when you're ready — he'll handle the teleportation."
Lucien smiled at his mother. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll be fine. When I get back, I'll tell you everything."
Grayfia sighed but nodded reluctantly.
When Lucien left, Grayfia turned on Sirzechs, fury simmering beneath her calm exterior.
"How could you let our only child go into danger alone!? He may be powerful, but he's still nine! Anything could happen!"
Sirzechs stood and gently wrapped his arms around her. She resisted for a moment, then relaxed, shoulders trembling slightly as tears welled in her eyes.
He stroked her hair softly. "I know you're worried. But Lucien needs this. He wants to surpass me — and that takes more than training. It takes experience. I won't send him unprotected — MacGregor will tail him from a distance and step in if anything goes wrong."
Grayfia exhaled shakily, calming down. "Good. At least he'll have someone watching him… But you're still sleeping on the couch until he gets back."
Sirzechs blinked. "You'd make your husband the Lucifer sleep on the couch in his own home?"
Grayfia smiled sweetly, her aura darkening. "Is that a problem, my lord?"
Sirzechs stiffened. "N-no, not at all…"
And just like that, the Lucifer of the Underworld silently accepted his fate.
Lucien arrived home quickly, wasting no time as he began preparing for his trip. He packed a few sets of clothes and stored them inside his personal pocket dimension, the same space where he kept Gram safely sealed.
After finishing, he changed into his casual outfit for the human world — a white T-shirt, blue jeans, and black boots. Over that, he slipped on a black jacket with a fur-lined collar, adjusting it until it fit comfortably. He gave himself one final look in the mirror and smiled faintly.
"Perfect."
Just as he turned to leave and find MacGregor, a knock came from his door. When he opened it, he found his grandparents standing there.
"Grandpa, Grandma? Did you need something?" Lucien asked, blinking in surprise.
Zeoticus chuckled warmly. "Sirzechs just informed us about your trip. Don't worry, I'm not here to nag you — I know you're more than capable of handling a stray devil." He placed a hand proudly on Lucien's head. "But I do want you to stay at our hotel in Karakura Town. It's under our name, so you'll have everything you need. And remember — enjoy yourself a little. This is your first trip to the human world, after all."
Lucien smiled. "Thanks, Grandpa."
Venelana crouched down and pulled him into a tight hug, her tone soft but filled with concern. "I still don't know what your father was thinking letting you go alone… but I know once you've set your mind on something, nothing can stop you. Just stay safe, Luci. That's all I ask."
Lucien hugged her back just as tightly. "I will, Grandma. I promise."
Together, the three made their way to the mansion's front entrance, where MacGregor was already waiting.
MacGregor looked to be in his late twenties — a tall, slim man with sharp golden eyes and long, slightly wavy hair that was half black and half blonde. He wore a finely detailed crimson robe adorned with the Gremory crest on its shoulder, marking his position as one of the family's top magicians.
"Are you ready to depart, young master Lucien?" MacGregor asked, his voice calm and professional as a glowing teleportation circle formed beneath his feet.
Lucien nodded eagerly. "Yeah, I'm ready — and excited. Let's go."
He stepped onto the circle beside the magician.
Zeoticus and Venelana exchanged a glance, silently giving MacGregor a nod. Their expressions said it all — protect him with your life.
MacGregor inclined his head respectfully. "Understood."
The circle flared with crimson light, and in an instant, both Lucien and MacGregor vanished — teleporting straight toward the human world.