Prelude:

The streets of Tokyo were alive with neon lights and the hum of the late-night crowd. Among them walked a slightly chubby young man, his figure blending into the ever-moving throng. He wore a hoodie that was two sizes too big, a pair of worn-out sneakers, and clutched in his arms an exceptional item—a newly released spinoff of one of his favourite series, Percy Jackson. His heart had raced with excitement earlier when he'd snagged the last copy at the bookstore, but now it had quieted, leaving him alone with his thoughts.

This young man was nothing remarkable to look at, an admitted 4/10 in terms of appearance. His face was slightly puffy, with an awkward growth of patchy facial hair, and he lacked the confidence or charm that could make up for his features. Social interactions often left him flustered and he sought solace in the world of fiction, often reading fan fiction late into the night where he imagined himself as the hero.

As he meandered through the dimly lit backstreets, the rush of Tokyo's nightlife began to fade. The familiar cacophony of voices and footsteps grew distant, and he realized he was now walking alone. Normally, this street would be bustling with people, even at this hour—hundreds of late-night shoppers, travellers, and workers. Yet, tonight, the street was empty. Every storefront was shuttered, and the only sound was the distant hum of a vending machine buzzing in the corner. He slowed his pace, the silence prickling the back of his neck.

"Strange," he muttered to himself, glancing over his shoulder. Not a soul in sight. The air felt thick, like the calm before a storm.

He picked up his pace, eager to get home, when suddenly, from the corner of his eye, he saw a flash of blinding light. He froze as the roar of an engine echoed down the road. His eyes widened in realization—a truck was barreling toward him. Not just any truck, though. The Truck. The infamous "Truck-Kun," often shown in anime communities, known for its legendary role in sending protagonists to new worlds.

The young man blinked in shock. His legs felt rooted to the ground, but it wasn't fear that kept him from moving. It was something else—excitement? Hope? The thought surged through his mind: Is this it? My chance to be isekai'd?

He could have dodged, stepped aside, saved himself. But no. Instead, he stood firm, his heart pounding. The truck grew closer, its headlights blazing, and for a fleeting second, he could have sworn he saw a light from inside.

Then, impact.

He felt nothing, only the sensation of floating. No pain, no body, just the vast, endless blackness of the void. He tried to move, but there were no limbs to command, no eyes to blink, no breath to take. Where was he?

Confusion set in, followed by panic. His mind raced. Did I really just die? He had imagined this moment countless times while reading novels and fanfictions—being transported to another world, given a new life with magical powers or a heroic destiny. Yet, now that he was here, all he felt was terror.

The void pressed in on him from every direction, silent and oppressive. Minutes turned into hours at least what felt like hours.

Time had no meaning in this place. He tried calling out, but no sound came. He tried to scream, but there was nothing to scream with.

What if this wasn't an isekai at all? The horrifying thought hit him like a punch to the gut. What if he hadn't been sent to a magical world, but instead to oblivion? What if he had miscalculated, and this void was all that awaited him for eternity?

Panic gave way to regret. I could have dodged that truck, he thought bitterly. I could've lived. What if... what if I was wrong? His mind reeled with the weight of his decision, and he cursed himself for being so foolish. He imagined his body lying on the streets of Tokyo, his book strewn next to him, covered in blood, while passersby gawked.

He tried to calm himself, reasoning that this must be part of the process. In all those isekai stories, the protagonist usually meets a god or a deity before being reincarnated, right? They always explain what happened, offer some kind of special power, and send them on their way. Yes, he told himself. That's it. That has to be it. I'm just waiting for my turn.

Time dragged on.

Just as despair began to creep in, there was a shift in the atmosphere. A faint hum, almost imperceptible at first, filled the void. The young man tried to focus, desperate for any sign that he wasn't alone in this darkness. The hum grew louder, then transformed into a low, resonant voice. A bright screen flared into his vision with text.

[Hello! Welcome, Host!]

I blinked, or at least I imagined blinking, as my mind tried to process the sudden shift from the eerie voice of the void to this overly enthusiastic greeting. The void was now less intimidating, though no less strange. It was still dark, but now there was something to latch onto. Host? What was this?

[Host may now select a world for reincarnation:

Percy Jackson

DXD

Marvel

Danmachi

A chill ran through what remained of my consciousness. My thoughts scrambled as I stared at the options floating before me. Wait... what? It suddenly clicked. This was it the reincarnation menu. The kind of thing I had only read about in fan fiction and light novels. My chance to choose a new world, a new life. But looking at the options, my excitement was quickly tempered by reality. Every single one of these worlds was filled with unimaginable dangers.

I considered each one. Percy Jackson? Gods and monsters lurked around every corner. Marvel? That world might as well be a death trap for anyone without superpowers. Danmachi? If I wasn't some kind of adventurer prodigy, I'd be monster chow. No, all of them were tough, but DXD... at least early on, it had a more manageable danger level. I knew the ins and outs of it, the power scaling, the factions. If I could set things up properly, I might just survive.

Still, I hesitated. Should I really pick DXD? The supernatural world there could turn lethal fast if I made the wrong choices.

[Host will have the option to later customize]

Well, that made the decision a lot easier. Customization was key in a world like DXD—you had to build the right foundation to ensure survival, and later, thrive. There was no way I was going into this blind or powerless.

I made up my mind.

[World DXD Selected]

My pulse—or whatever I had in place of a pulse now—raced with anticipation. This is real. This is actually happening. Before I could even fully absorb that, another set of options appeared before me.

[Please Select a difficulty level:

Easy = 1000 customization points

Medium = 800 customization points

Hard = 600 customization points

Nightmare = 400 customization points

I stared at the options. Easy was the obvious choice. This wasn't some game I could restart if I messed up—I had one shot. Easy would give me the most points to mould my new life, and I wasn't about to be a foolhardy protagonist who chose Nightmare just for the challenge. In DXD, danger lurked around every corner, and I'd need every advantage I could get.

Without hesitation, I selected Easy.

[Easy difficulty selected]

A sense of relief washed over me. I'd made a cautious, yet smart choice. The system rewarded me with a generous amount of customization points. My mind whirled with possibilities. Soon enough, the next set of options materialized before me:

[Please select a race:

Human = 100 points

Goblin = 200 points

Angel = 300 points

Devil = 300 points

Fallen Angel = 300 points

I didn't even need to think hard about this one. Devil was the clear choice. I wasn't about to be a weak human or, even worse, a disgusting goblin. As tempting as Angel or Fallen Angel sounded, I knew enough about DXD's hierarchy to know better. Angels and Fallen Angels were high-risk roles; unless I had absurd amounts of power or wings, I'd just be a pawn. No, Devil had status and, more importantly, a clear path to power—especially if I played my cards right with my background. Devil it was.

[Race Devil Selected]

My excitement built as more options unfolded.

[Please select your background:

Reincarnated devil = 100

Commoner devil = 200

Old Satan Faction Nobility = 300

New Satan Faction Nobility = 400

Old Satan Faction Pillar family = 600

New Satan Faction Pillar family = 700

This choice was critical. My survival, no—my success—depended on it. Reincarnated Devil was out of the question; that would make me nothing more than a servant, a slave to some higher-ranking devil. Commoner Devil? Forget about it. The thought of having no rights, no standing in the devil hierarchy made my stomach—or what was left of it—churn. As I scrolled through the backgrounds, I knew that I needed something solid. Something with power and status from the start.

The New Satan Faction Pillar family stood out. Pillar families were the backbone of devil nobility, and choosing the New Satan Faction meant that I wouldn't be tied to the remnants of a dying cause. I'd have the chance to build influence and would gain a peerage. Yes, this was it.

[New Satan Faction Pillar family Selected]

[Family has been Preselected]

My heart—or whatever equivalent I had—pounded. A Pillar family. Noble status. This was the path to becoming a true force in the DXD world. I could already imagine the possibilities—the connections I could forge, the influence I could wield. But then, a strange message appeared:

[Sins have been selected: Sin of Wrath, Sin of Greed, Sin of Pride]

I froze. Sins? I hadn't expected that. Wrath, Greed, and Pride. My mind raced to understand the implications. These weren't just character traits; they were defining aspects of my new existence. I would need to be careful how I handled them—they could either propel me to greatness or drag me into ruin.

Then, before I could even begin to contemplate what that meant, the final message flashed before me.

[Host will now spawn]

Without warning, the void exploded into an overwhelming light. My entire existence seemed to shatter and reform at once. The darkness was replaced by a blinding brilliance, a sensation of being pulled, twisted, and torn apart by unseen forces. I tumbled through the light, disoriented and helpless, my thoughts dissolving into a chaotic whirl.

And then, it was over.

I woke up gasping, blinking rapidly as the world around me came into focus. I wasn't in the void anymore. No, I was somewhere entirely new.

I had been reborn.

Chapter 1:

I awoke, nestled in soft bundles of warmth, my tiny body cocooned in luxurious silks. The room was dim, but I was immediately drawn to the piercing red eyes gazing down upon me. They radiated both power and tenderness—a look I instinctively recognized as one of deep concern and love. A soft voice followed, soothing and gentle, yet carrying a weight of authority.

"Hello, sweetie. Wake up, Millicas."

Her voice wrapped around me like a blanket. Millicas? The name echoed in my mind, and with it came a sudden jolt of realization. Millicas... as in Millicas Gremory? Oh, crap. Am I... really Millicas? My thoughts were racing, struggling to catch up with the situation. I needed confirmation, something solid. Without thinking, I instinctively called out within my mind:

A transparent screen flashed before me, the familiar layout of an RPG-style system that confirmed what I had feared—and hoped.

"Status"

Name: Millicas Gremory

Age: 1 year old

Tier 2: Low-Class Devil

Level: 108

Race: Devil

HP: 2200/2200

Demonic Power: 2800/2800

Stats:

Strength: 25

Speed: 21

Endurance: 24

Mental: 17

Powers:

Power of Destruction: 10 demonic energy = 1 Power of Destruction (280/280)

Ice Manipulation: 5 demonic energy = 1 Ice Manipulation (560/560)

Summary: The son of Sirzechs Lucifer and Grayfia Lucifuge. Second in line to the Gremory Heirship. Member of the House of Gremory. He also bears the Sin of Wrath, Sin of Greed, and Sin of Pride.

Well... that confirmed it. I wasn't just any devil. I was Millicas Gremory, son of Sirzechs Lucifer—the strongest devil in the underworld—and Grayfia Lucifuge, one of the most powerful female devils. But my initial joy was short-lived. Tier 2? Low-Class Devil? I stared at my stats and powers, the numbers glaring back at me. These stats are horrible! How could I be the son of such legendary figures and still end up with these low-tier stats?

I mentally sighed. I wasn't even a prodigy by devil standards. My only saving grace was the Power of Destruction and Ice Manipulation—the signature abilities of my parents. Still, it stung that I wasn't starting with more.

But there wasn't much I could do about it now. For the moment, I focused on my surroundings. Gazing up, I saw my mother, Grayfia, peering down at me lovingly. Her silver hair framed her face like a gentle waterfall, her usual stern expression replaced with the soft concern of a mother watching over her child. I could feel her demonic aura, powerful and protective, wrapping around me. I knew that in the world of devils, children were expected to speak their first words around this age—especially those of noble birth like me.

But I wasn't ready. Not yet. I'd wait until the perfect moment. For now, I gave my mother a drowsy smile and let myself drift back into sleep.

The next time I woke, I was in my father's arms. Sirzechs Lucifer. The strongest devil alive, and my father. His aura was overwhelming, a deep ocean of demonic power so vast that it seemed to seep into the air around him. Yet, there was warmth in his presence, a kind of gentle strength that soothed rather than overwhelmed. His deep red hair, much like mine, shimmered under the soft glow of the pristine white room we were in. Pillars of marble lined the walls, and the floor gleamed underfoot—this place radiated wealth and power.

Grayfia stood beside him, her silver eyes calm but watchful, always the vigilant protector. Across from them, lounging on soft plush sofas, were Lord and Lady Gremory—my grandparents. Venelana, my grandmother, was as regal as they came, with her flaxen hair and a dignified smile. Zeoticus, my grandfather, looked every bit the noble patriarch.

But one person was missing—Rias. My aunt. I was relieved she wasn't here. As much as I admired the Rias Gremory of the original timeline, I wasn't ready for any interactions with her just yet.

I let out a giggle, a soft bubbling sound that instantly drew everyone's attention. The room was warm and filled with affection, but I had other plans. A mischievous thought popped into my mind. I let out a loud, sudden cry, my tiny body shaking with faux distress.

Sirzechs, the feared and mighty Lucifer, visibly panicked. "Is everything alright, Millicas?" His voice, which had probably sent enemies fleeing in terror, now wavered with concern.

Grayfia immediately began to scold him softly. She lifted me into her arms, her soothing words doing little to stop my fake sobs. Then Venelana, my grandmother, tried to calm me down, but I continued wailing, louder this time. Nothing seemed to work.

Finally, they handed me to Zeoticus, my grandfather. The moment I was in his arms, I stopped crying. I even smiled. The room fell silent as everyone stared at me in disbelief. My grandfather's expression shifted into one of smug satisfaction. His pride was evident as he looked at the others.

"Seems like I have the magic touch," he said with a chuckle, cradling me against his chest.

I giggled again, playing into the act. It was then that I made my move. I opened my mouth and said, "Pa…"

The room froze. Sirzechs stared at me, wide-eyed. I could feel the weight of every gaze in the room as I paused for dramatic effect, then finished my word: "Papa."

A stunned silence followed. The mighty Sirzechs, the strongest devil in existence, the one who could destroy entire armies, looked utterly crestfallen. I had called my grandfather 'papa'—my first word. The one every parent waits for, stolen by my grandfather. I watched as my father's face twisted into a mixture of heartbreak and shock. His powerful shoulders slumped slightly, and a shadow of defeat passed over him. He had lost the cherished moment to someone else.

Zeoticus, meanwhile, wore a triumphant grin as he looked at the others. "Well, it seems I'm the favourite," he teased, holding me a little tighter.

In a last-ditch effort to salvage the situation, my grandfather gently handed me back to Sirzechs, hoping to placate him. But the moment I was back in my father's arms, I resumed my crying. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I let out loud wails, refusing to be comforted until I was returned to my grandfather's arms.

The room was filled with a mix of awkward laughter and silent pity for my father, who now looked at me with both amusement and resignation. From that day onward, Sirzechs began to spend more time with Rias, likely finding comfort in his sister, while I—Millicas—quickly became my grandfather's favourite. Wherever he went, I followed, clinging to him as though he were my most trusted companion.

The bond between us only deepened over the next few years. Even as I grew and my devil powers began to develop, I remained inseparable from my grandfather, learning the ways of the Gremory family from the man who wore his pride and status like a second skin.

Timeskip: 5 years

As a six-year-old, my world had grown significantly. No longer confined to the small bubble of a child, I was beginning to grasp the political games and subtle power struggles of the underworld.

The grand halls of the Gremory manor were more than just home—they were the nexus of ancient power plays, where alliances were forged and broken, and I had the chance to make my first move.

A storm had been brewing for some time now, one involving a nekomata named Shirone-later known as Koneko Toujou.

She was in a precarious position, under scrutiny for the crimes of her sister, Kuroka. It was unjust, but devils could be cruel like that. Shirone was being punished for the sins of her sister, not her own actions.

Unlike others who might take an interest in her for...less honourable reasons, my interest was purely strategic. In two years, I would be granted my Evil Pieces, and I wanted Shirone as my Rook. There was also another layer to my plan: in the original timeline, Koneko ended up in Rias's peerage and, eventually, in the Red Dragon Emperor's harem. I had no intention of letting that happen. By securing her for myself, I'd not only change the future but also deny Rias-and by extension, Issei-their chance to acquire such a valuable piece.

Today was the day I would make my request. I would ask my father, Sirzechs Lucifer himself, to grant me custody of the nekomata. I knew Rias or Sona might try to claim her, so I had to act quickly.

I waited in the living room, rehearsing my argument in my head. My father, despite his title and immense power, had always been kind to me. My mother, Grayfia, was a bit more reserved, but she too had a soft spot for her son. I just needed to time my request perfectly.

The doors creaked open, and my father entered, tall and imposing in his usual black and red attire. My mother followed behind him, her silver hair tied neatly into a bun, dressed in her formal maid uniform. Despite her role, I always made it a point to call her "Mother." She was, after all, more than just a servant to me.

"Hello, Father. Mother," I greeted them with a respectful bow.

"Hey, kiddo," my father said with a warm smile, his deep voice carrying a sense of authority that could both comfort and terrify me.

"Greetings, Master Millicas," my mother said formally, bowing slightly. "I would appreciate it if you referred to me properly while I'm on duty."

I only smiled at her request. It had become something of a game between us no matter how many times she asked, I would always call her "Mother."

Taking a deep breath, I prepared to make my request. "Father, I'd like to ask for something important," I said, my voice steady despite the weight of the moment. "I want to secure the nekomata girl, Shirone, for my peerage."

Both of them paused. My father's expression shifted, a brief look of surprise crossing his face. He hadn't expected that. "The nekomata? Shirone?" he asked, his voice measured.

I nodded. "Yes. I believe she would be an invaluable asset to my peerage when I receive my Evil Pieces in two years."

For a moment, my father was silent, clearly weighing the implications of my request. I knew what he was thinking. Shirone was likely being considered for Rias's peerage, a gift for his beloved sister. But he had missed my birthday recently, and the guilt over that oversight was something I intended to exploit.

My father sighed, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "It's not as simple as you think, son. Shirone's situation is... delicate. The council is still deliberating on what to do with her, and many devils aren't happy about letting her live, given her sister's actions."

"I understand, Father," I said, trying to sound mature. "But I believe she deserves a chance. She's innocent, and with the right guidance, she could become a powerful piece."

Sirzechs looked at me for a long moment, and I could see the gears turning in his mind. Finally, he nodded, albeit reluctantly. "I'll speak with the council. I'll do my best, but I can't make any promises."

That was all I needed. I smiled, knowing that if my father was involved, the likelihood of success was high. I would have Shirone in my peerage, not Rias. The future was already beginning to change, and I had taken my first step toward shaping my destiny.

But, as with all things in the underworld, fate had a way of complicating even the most carefully laid plans…

Timeskip 1 year:

Father had yet to acquire the nekomata girl for me, despite his promises. To make amends, he provided me with my Evil Pieces early, which devils use to assemble their peerage. They sat idly in my inventory, waiting for the day I could use them to form my own group of servants. But even with this gift, I couldn't shake the frustration gnawing at me. My system, the mysterious Gamer's Interface that I had somehow gotten, hadn't provided me with a single level-up or quest since my rebirth. My stats were increasing, yes, but only with the slow passage of time, and I had yet to unlock any special abilities like Gamer's Mind or Gamer's Body.

Worse still, there were no dungeons, no quests, no tasks to keep me busy. It felt like the system had gone dormant. I was just a kid in a world where the weak get crushed, waiting for something—anything—to break the monotony.

Frustrated, I muttered to myself, "Status," and called up the screen, hoping for a change.

"Status"

Name: Millicas Gremory

Age: 7 years old

Tier 2: Low-Class Devil

Level: 108

Race: Devil

HP: 3700/3700

Demonic Power: 4200/4200

Stats:

Strength: 37

Speed: 31

Endurance: 38

Mental: 24

Powers:

Power of Destruction: 10 demonic energy = 1 Power of Destruction (280/280)

Ice Manipulation: 5 demonic energy = 1 Ice Manipulation (560/560)

Quest:

[?]

Summary: The son of Sirzechs Lucifer and Grayfia Lucifuge. Second in line to the Gremory Heirship. Member of the House of Gremory. He also bears the Sin of Wrath, Sin of Greed, and Sin of Pride.

I stared at the same old stats, sighing in frustration—until my eyes caught the question mark next to the quest line. Something new? My heart quickened as I clicked it, anticipation filling me.

[The nekomata girl is currently being hunted. The system has appointed you a Quest.]

[Quest: Save the Nekomata]

Reward: 30 Levels

Thirty levels... thirty fricking levels! My eyes widened in disbelief. If I could pull this off, I'd jump straight into Tier 3—Middle-Class devil status. But a new wave of anxiety quickly dampened my excitement. Where was she? How was I supposed to find her?

[Map: Target Location Activated]

A glowing map opened in front of me, a small red marker showing her exact location. Unbelievably, she was already within the Gremory territory, not far from where I stood. My heart raced. This was my chance, my first real quest from the system.

I slipped out of the manor, making sure no one noticed my departure. Moving as quietly as I could, I followed the path the map laid out, winding through forested paths and empty roads until I finally reached a clearing on the outskirts of the estate. In the distance, I saw her—the small form of Shirone, the nekomata girl. But she wasn't alone. A group of devils was pursuing her, closing in fast. From what I could sense, most of them were low-class devils, but their leader... he was something else entirely.

I squinted and used my Observe skill on the strongest of the group.

"Observe"

Name: Rosinysa

Tier 3: Middle-Class Devil

Level: 237

Damn. A middle-class devil. He was more than twice my level. I'd have to be careful with this one. But the others? They were just fodder. No challenge at all.

I edged closer, keeping out of sight. My heartbeat quickened, but not from fear—excitement coursed through me. This was my first real taste of action, my first chance to push my system and see just what I was capable of.

Once I was within range, I silently prepared a sphere of Power of Destruction and launched it at one of the low-class devils from behind. The orb of dark energy enveloped him, vaporizing him instantly.

[You Have Leveled Up x5]

[Demonic Power: 4000/4200]

I grinned. Level-ups, finally. And just like that, I was stronger. The rest of the group hadn't even noticed the death of their comrade. I moved closer, stalking another two low-class devils. With another flick of my hand, I unleashed two more spheres of destruction, erasing them from existence before they could react.

[You Have Leveled Up x50]

[Demonic Power: 2000/4200]

I couldn't believe how quickly I was levelling up. My system had been dormant for so long, and now it was practically erupting with power. The gap between levels was vanishing before my eyes. I felt the strength flood my body, the demonic energy swelling within me as I continued my silent assault.

The remaining devils finally noticed something was wrong. The leader, Rosinysa, barked orders at the two low-class devils still alive, his eyes scanning the area for threats. He was on edge now, knowing someone was picking off his men, but he hadn't spotted me yet.

I knew I had to act fast. If he discovered me, things could get ugly. I waited for the perfect moment, then launched two more destruction orbs at the low-class devils, wiping them out before Rosinysa could blink.

[You Have Leveled Up x10]

[Demonic Power: 1600/4200]

Now it was just Rosinysa and me.

He spun around, his eyes narrowing as he finally sensed my presence. I didn't wait for him to act. I conjured another sphere of destruction and hurled it straight at him. But this time, he was ready. He raised a shimmering, protective shield just in time, deflecting the attack.

"Tch." I clicked my tongue in frustration. This wasn't going to be easy.

Rosinysa didn't hesitate. With a roar, he unleashed a torrent of fire toward me. I countered immediately, using my Ice Manipulation to summon a freezing gust that extinguished the flames before they could reach me. I followed up by creating several ice spikes and launching them at him.

One of the spikes found its mark, piercing his shoulder. Rosinysa howled in pain but quickly recovered, throwing another barrage of fire spells my way. I dodged to the side, weaving between the attacks before sending another sphere of destruction at him.

This time, it hit. The force of the blast sent him stumbling back, his shield shattering as the destructive energy tore through his defences. But he wasn't down yet. He pushed himself to his feet, his body trembling with exertion, blood dripping from his wounds.

He was strong, but I was stronger now. My level-ups had made a difference, and I wasn't going to let this opportunity slip away.

"Is this all you've got?" I taunted, readying another spell.

Rosinysa glared at me, hatred burning in his eyes. "You... brat! You don't know who you're messing with!"

Ignoring his words, I conjured another ice spike—this one larger and sharper than the last. With a final, powerful thrust, I sent it flying straight toward him. It pierced his chest, right through his heart.

Rosinysa's eyes widened in shock. He gasped, blood spilling from his mouth as he collapsed to the ground, his body crumpling lifelessly.

[You Have Leveled Up x20]

[Demonic Power: 1000/4200]

If he completed the quest he would enter the next tier Middle-Class devil. The system pinged again, bringing up a detailed chart of devil tier progression.

Devil Tier Page:

Tier 1-Human/Devil Cripple=1-99

Tier 2-Low Class=100-199

Tier 3-Middle-Class=200-299

Tier 4-High Class=300-399

Tier 5-Ultimate Class=400-499

Tier 6-Peak Ultimate Class=500-599

Tier 7-Low-Mid Satan Class=600-699

Tier 8-High-Peak Satan Class=700-799

Tier 9-Low-Mid Super Class=800-899

Tier 10-High-Peak Super Class=900-999

Final Tier-Primordial[?]-Not possible for devils only due to the gamer having no caps is this possible

Each tier was 10 times stronger, faster, and had 10 times the health and demonic energy.

Each race had its tier page.

God Tier Page:

Tier 1-Divine Human=1-99

Tier 2- Distant Legacy=100-199

Tier 3-Legacy=200-299

Tier 4-Minor God's Demigod=300-399

Tier 5-Olympian God's Demigod=400-499

Tier 6-Child Of The Big Three=500-599

Tier 7-Minor God=600-699

Tier 8-Olympian God=700-799

Tier 9-Three Daughters of Kronos=800-899

Tier 10-The Big Three=900-999

Final Tier-Primordial[?]

The tier chart hovered in my vision, listing the ranks of divine beings and other entities who ruled the cosmos. Titans, dragons, sacred gear wielders—everything had its hierarchy. Each power, each bloodline, had its progression to godhood or something even more ancient and primordial. It wasn't just the devils who had their tiers. Every faction and race was organized, and each higher tier represented exponential power.

I dismissed the floating menu and redirected my focus to the task at hand. I still had to find the nekomata girl, Shirone, who was somewhere nearby. According to the map, she hadn't moved much since I dealt with her pursuers. She was likely hiding in fear, unaware that help had arrived. The streets were eerily quiet now as I walked deeper into the Gremory territory. People gave me curious glances—some in awe, others in fear. Being the son of Sirzechs Lucifer came with its share of attention.

I moved through the cobbled streets, my senses on alert. As I rounded a corner, I spotted her—a small, pale-haired girl crouched in an alley, hidden behind some crates. Her cat-like ears twitched nervously, sensing danger even when none was present. She was trembling, her large golden eyes darting around, searching for an escape.

I approached her cautiously, not wanting to startle her any further. She had already been through enough.

"Stay away, please!" she pleaded, her voice trembling with fear. She backed into the wall, shrinking from me, her tail stiff with tension.

I paused, surprised by her outburst. In the future timeline I knew, Shirone—or Koneko, as she would later be known—was the quiet and reserved member of Rias's peerage. But now, here she was, vulnerable and terrified. Perhaps her time with Rias had changed her, but that version of her was far away. Right now, she was just a scared girl, wrongfully persecuted because of her sister's crimes.

"Hello, Shirone," I said softly, trying to sound reassuring.

Her eyes widened in confusion, her trembling growing worse. "H-how do you know my name?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

"I know a lot of things," I replied with a confident smile, trying to project an air of calm. "I'm the son of Lucifer. Of course, I know."

I said it with a hint of pride, but it seemed my name only frightened her more. Her expression twisted in fear, and she began to shake her head frantically. "Please, spare me!" she cried, her voice breaking.

I cursed internally. I had misjudged the effect my lineage would have on her. Of course, she'd fear me. To her, devils like me were the ones who sought to punish her, just like those who had been chasing her moments ago.

I sighed and took a step back, raising my hands to show her I meant no harm. "You don't need to be afraid, Shirone. I'm not here to hurt you."

Her ears twitched, still unsure of my intentions, but she didn't try to run.

"I'm here to offer you something," I continued, carefully gauging her reaction. "A chance."

Her confusion deepened, though the fear in her eyes didn't fade entirely. "A… chance?" she echoed, her voice shaky.

I nodded. "Yes, a chance to start over. To be free from the people who are hunting you. To have a new family, a new purpose." As I spoke, I pulled a small, intricately carved chess piece from my inventory—a Pawn piece, one of the most versatile in the set.

Shirone stared at the piece in my hand, clearly confused. "What is that?" she asked, her voice still timid.

"This is a Pawn from my Evil Pieces set," I explained. "It's a part of a system we devils use to form our peerages—our teams, if you will. If you join my peerage, no one will ever be able to hurt you again. You'll be under my protection."

Her eyes darted from the piece to my face, her expression sceptical. "But... but my sister…" Her voice trailed off, and she looked down at the ground, her small hands clutching the fabric of her torn clothes. "She killed her master. They'll never stop hunting me because of her."

I shook my head. "I don't care what your sister did, Shirone. That's her crime, not yours. You shouldn't be punished for something you didn't do."

Her gaze met mine, and for the first time, there was a glimmer of hope in her eyes, though it was still mixed with uncertainty. Around us, a small crowd had begun to gather. Bystanders whispered among themselves, their eyes wide with shock and intrigue. They had recognized me, of course—the son of Sirzechs Lucifer, making a bold public offer to the infamous nekomata.

"I…" Shirone hesitated, her voice barely audible. "I don't know if I deserve it."

"You do," I said firmly. "Everyone deserves a chance."

She stared at me for a long moment, her golden eyes searching mine for any sign of deception. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she nodded, her voice small but determined. "I accept."

A smile spread across my face. I held out the Pawn piece, and as she took it in her hands, the magic of the piece activated. A soft glow enveloped her, and the piece disappeared into her chest, binding her to me as my servant. It was done. Shirone was now a member of my peerage.

"Welcome to your new life," I said, my tone filled with a sense of finality, "as a servant of the Son of Lucifer."

Shirone looked up at me, her fear slowly giving way to something else—relief, maybe even gratitude. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice still trembling, but now for a different reason.

[Quest Complete: You Have Leveled Up x30]

[Congratulations: You Have Entered Tier 3 (Middle-Class Devil)]

The system's notification flashed before my eyes, confirming what I already knew. I had reached Tier 3—Middle-Class Devil. The power that surged through me was exhilarating. My demonic energy reserves had doubled, and I could feel my body strengthening, becoming faster, and sharper.

I pulled up my status screen to check my new stats.

"Status"

Name: Millicas Gremory

Age: 7 years old

Tier 3: Middle-Class Devil

Level-223

Race: Devil

Hp:37000/37000

Demonic Power: 42000/42000

Stats:

Strength:57

Speed:58

Endurance:58

Mental:28

Powers:

Power Of Destruction/ 10 demonic energy

Ice Manipulation/ 5 demonic energy

Summary: The son of Sirzechs Lucifer and Grayfia Lucifuge. Second in line to the Gremory Heirship. Member of the House of Gremory. He also has Sin of Wrath, Sin of Greed, and Sin of Pride.

Peerage:

Pawn=Shirone

Quest: None

As I levelled up, I could feel the surge of power coursing through my body. My stats had risen across the board, though I noticed that the increases weren't uniform. Strength, speed, endurance—all had climbed at different rates. It was perplexing. I understood that these increases were a natural part of growing older and stronger, but the boost in power from jumping tiers was unlike anything I'd felt before. The jump from Tier 2 to Tier 3-Middle-Class seemed to awaken something deeper within me. Perhaps it was the nature of divine or devilish bloodlines, where the higher one ascended, the more the innate potential unfolded.

With this newfound strength, a fire of ambition burned in my chest. Finally, I thought. Now, I can start to build my standing in this world. This is only the beginning. It was time to push ahead, carve out my path, and establish myself as a true contender within the devil hierarchy. With a flick of my wrist, I cast a teleportation spell, the magic swirling around me before the familiar scenery of the Gremory manor appeared.

No sooner had I arrived than I found myself grounded. My entire family looked at me with disapproving glares. My father, Sirzechs Lucifer himself, stood with his arms crossed, a stern expression on his face. My mother, Grayfia, the strict yet elegant Queen of Sirzechs, scolded me in her icy tone. My grandparents joined in, expressing their deep disappointment at my reckless behaviour. The lecture was harsh, but I could take it. After all, I had disobeyed orders, going on an unsanctioned excursion and getting into a fight with beings far above my standing at the time.

However, it wasn't my family's chastising that annoyed me the most was Rias. My Aunt stood off to the side, smirking. She looked smug, but there was something more underneath the edge of frustration, maybe even jealousy. She kept glancing at Shirone, who stood behind me, nervously shifting under the weight of everyone's gaze.

Rias's anger made sense. She had probably been hoping to add Shirone to her peerage once the nekomata girl was older, but I had snatched her away. I'd claimed Shirone as my pawn, robbing Rias of a potentially powerful servant.

I felt her gaze burn into my back as I stood before the family council. I could see her stats now that my Observe skill had upgraded.

Name: Rias Gremory

Tier 3: Middle-Class Devil

Level: 257

Race: Devil

HP: 34,000/34,000

Demonic Power: 48,000/48,000

She was powerful, there was no denying it. At 287, her level was well ahead of mine, but I could feel the gap closing. Soon, I thought to myself. Soon, I'll challenge you.

She was nearing 11 years old now, and that meant she would soon be eligible for family challenges. In another year, I would be able to issue a formal challenge for the heirship of the House of Gremory. The thought of taking her place as heir fueled my ambitions. Rias had never struck me as someone worthy of the position. She was strong, sure, but the future I had knew painted her as… reckless. The whole underworld would be witness to her strange actions, especially her future Pawn-a human who would fondle her breasts to unlock power-ups. It was laughable and shameful. Our noble house deserved better leadership than that.

I'll be the one to take the reins of the Gremory name, I decided, a smirk forming on my lips. She wasn't ready for it. But I will be.

As if reading my thoughts, the system flashed in front of my eyes.

[Quest Alert: Train for One Year to Defeat Rias Gremory for the Position of Heir!]

[Reward: 40 Levels]

One year, I mused, already planning how to use my time wisely. Forty levels were no joke, and with them, I could easily surpass Rias. The heirship would be mine.

"Millicas Gremory," my mother's voice cut through my thoughts, cold and stern. "Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

I blinked, coming back to reality. "No, Mom," I replied, keeping my voice steady and appropriately remorseful.

"You are grounded," she said sharply. "Go to your room, and we will decide your punishment later."

I sighed dramatically, keeping up the appearance of a scolded child. "Yes, Mom." With that, I turned and walked toward my room, Shirone following silently behind me.

As we made our way down the grand corridors of the manor, I could feel Rias's eyes still on me, no doubt wondering what I was planning. I cast a glance over my shoulder at her, meeting her gaze for a moment before continuing on my way.

The door to my room closed with a soft click. I dropped the act as soon as I was inside, a grin spreading across my face. "That went better than expected," I muttered to myself.

Shirone stood a few steps behind me, looking around the room, still clearly uneasy. I turned to face her, softening my expression. "So, what do you think about my home, Shirone?" I asked.

"It's… nice," she replied quietly, her voice still shy and hesitant.

I chuckled. "It's okay. You can relax now." I gestured to the couch. "Make yourself comfortable."

She hesitated for a moment before nodding and slowly sitting down. I could tell she was still on edge, adjusting to this new life. Being taken into the peerage of the Son of Lucifer wasn't something one easily adapted to overnight, especially after what she'd been through.

As she settled, I turned my attention back to my training plans. The next year would be crucial. I couldn't afford to slack off-not with Rias ahead of me in terms of raw power. If I wanted to beat her, I needed to train harder than ever. Combat skills, strategy, magic-all of it needed to improve if I was going to stand a chance in the upcoming challenge. Especially as Rias was at a higher level than me natural-born prodigy that she was.

The system's reward of 40 levels was enticing, but it wouldn't come without effort. I'd have to grind relentlessly and take on dangerous missions, where my life could be at risk.

But that didn't scare me. I thrived on challenges, and this one, the chance to claim the title of Gremory heir, was too good to pass up.

I looked over at Shirone, who was staring at her hands in silence. "I'm going to train hard over the next year," I told her. "You'll be training with me."

Her ears perked up slightly at that, and she glanced up at me, surprised. "Me?"

"Of course," I said with a smile. "You're part of my peerage now. If I get stronger, so do you. We're in this together."

She seemed to relax a little at that, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Okay," she said softly.

I turned back toward the window, staring out at the sprawling Gremory estate. The path ahead was filled with obstacles, but I was determined. I would train, level up, and surpass Rias.

In one year, I would claim my rightful place as the Heir of the House of Gremory.

And nothing- not even my father was going to stop me.

With that settled, I led Shirone down the elegant corridors of the Gremory manor, the soft glow of enchanted lights illuminating our path. The opulence of the estate surrounded us—marble floors, intricate tapestries depicting the noble lineage of the Gremory family, and portraits of esteemed ancestors watching over us. I felt a surge of pride as I thought of my heritage, the weight of my bloodline pressing down on my shoulders. But today was about more than just tradition; it was about making Shirone feel at home.

"This will be your room," I said, gesturing to a door adorned with a silver plate engraved with her name. I opened it to reveal a cozy space furnished with a bed draped in soft silks, a bookshelf lined with books on demonic history, and a small window that overlooked the garden. "I hope you like it."

Shirone stepped inside, her wide eyes taking in the surroundings. "It's… beautiful," she murmured, still appearing a bit overwhelmed. I noticed her ears twitching nervously as she adjusted to the lavishness of her new life.

"Just give it time," I encouraged, trying to soothe her worries. "You'll get used to it here. You're part of my peerage now, and that means you're family. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

She nodded slowly, biting her lip. "Thank you, Millicas. I-I really appreciate it."

"Of course! And don't worry too much about fitting in. My mother will help you acclimate to your new life as a devil. She's good at that sort of thing," I added, thinking of Grayfia's nurturing yet firm nature.

"Your mother?" Shirone asked, her voice filled with curiosity. "Is she really as strict as people say?"

I chuckled, recalling my mother's fierce determination to uphold our family's honour. "Yes, she can be. But she also has a soft spot for us kids. Just don't let her catch you slacking off, or you'll hear about it!"

A small smile crept onto Shirone's face, and I felt a flicker of hope that she would find her place here. But I knew that my grounding for the next month meant I wouldn't be able to train with her or guide her through her new life as a devil. It was a frustrating realization.

"Unfortunately, I've been grounded for the next month," I said, my voice laced with disappointment. "Training will have to wait. It's not ideal, but I'll find a way to make the most of it."

Her expression shifted from excitement to concern. "But how will you teach me?"

"I'll figure something out," I replied, determination edging into my voice. "Even if I can't actively train you, there are always ways to improve your skills. You can study, and practice demonic magic, I won't let a month of grounding set your training back too far."

I reassured her "You may not have a lot of experience yet, but your innate abilities as a nekomata are valuable. We can work together to strengthen your skills, too."

Shirone looked thoughtful, her fingers tracing the edge of the bed. "I… I'm not sure I'm ready for that."

"You will be," I insisted, my confidence unwavering. "We can start small-focus on developing your senjutsu and learning more about our world. I'll help you, I promise."

As we stood in her new room, I could see her starting to relax, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. I could tell she was slowly warming up to the idea of her new life.

"Alright, then," she said, her voice firmer now. "I'll do my best."

"Great! Just remember that I'll be in my room if you need anything. My mother will be around, too. And soon enough, you'll be part of the family, whether you like it or not!" I joked, winking at her.

With a final nod, I stepped back into the hallway, leaving her to settle in. The door clicked shut behind me, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I had just taken a crucial step in both of our lives.

But as I moved through the manor, the weight of my grounding loomed over me. With the next month essentially stolen from me, I would have to rely on my intellect and creativity to keep my skills sharp while I plotted my next moves.

My parents would undoubtedly keep a close watch on me, but perhaps there were still ways to train without attracting their attention.

While I couldn't physically train, I could delve into the extensive library for ancient texts on demonic magic, combat strategies, and family history. There was so much knowledge waiting for me-knowledge that could help turn the tide in my favour.

As I made my way to my room, I couldn't shake the excitement mixed with determination. One month might seem like an eternity, but every second counted. I would seize this time to prepare for the challenges ahead, both for my growth and for the success of my new peerage member.