To bend space is to ignore the rules of reality. But to cut it? That's to rewrite them."— Lucien Vael
Lucien returned through the rift he'd sliced open, stepping back into Kuoh as if he'd never left. No one noticed. No one could. The world wasn't designed to comprehend someone like him.
He walked through the forest's edge, Yamato humming softly in its sheath, the last traces of spatial distortion curling behind him like vapor.
Next Day – Kuoh Academy
Lucien entered the classroom, calm and unreadable.
Some students whispered. Others dared not look his way.
But outside, waiting like a noble on her stage, was Rias Gremory.
Poised. Confident. Entitled.
"Lucien Vael," she said sweetly, brushing her crimson hair over her shoulder. "I'd like to talk."
He didn't stop walking.
"Lucien," she repeated, falling into step beside him. "I'd like to offer you a position in my Peerage."
He stopped.
The hallway fell silent.
He turned to her, face unreadable. She smiled again—mistaking his stillness for interest.
And then—SLAP.
A sharp crack echoed through the hallway as Lucien's open palm met her cheek.
Not enough to break bone—but enough to bruise pride.
Rias staggered, eyes wide, one hand flying to her face.
Gasps filled the air. Even the shadows recoiled.
"Let me make something clear," Lucien said coldly."I don't kneel. I don't follow. And I sure as hell don't play pieces in someone else's game."
He took a step forward.
"You think you're a princess? That you can walk around handing out orders and titles like you're above the world?"
His voice dropped, colder than the abyss.
"You're not the first royal who's looked down on me."
"And if you ever try again—next time, I won't be so gentle."
Rias didn't respond.
She couldn't.
Lucien walked past her, coat swaying like a blade through silence.
He never looked back.