Chapter 40 40: Lucifer
The atmosphere inside the Occult Research Club was suffocating.
Hours had passed since their communication with Jin had been severed, the moment he boarded the bullet train. No one had left the room since—part duty, part fear, and part the weight of knowing something irreversible was happening .
When the air shimmered with teleportation magic and Grayfia Lucifuge appeared, all eyes snapped to her. Her silver hair glinted faintly in the dim, gothic lamplight of the room, her expression as composed as ever. Yet the gravity she carried made the silence even heavier.
Rias, seated on sofa with her peerage gathered around her, was the first to break it.
"...So, how did it go?"
No one breathed. Even Akeno's usual teasing warmth was absent; Kiba's hand rested tensely on the back of his chair, and Koneko's tail swished in sharp, irritated flicks as her eyes narrowed.
Grayfia's tone was crisp, unflinching.
"The Manji Clan has been wiped out. Its warriors slain, its elders and children scattered. The women and survivors will retreat into hiding—though it will not change the fact that their foundation has been utterly destroyed."
For a moment, no one spoke. Sona Sitri, who had come to Rias's clubroom to wait out the results, adjusted her glasses, her usual composure slipping .
"So that is the outcome..." she murmured, almost to herself. "What will the Devils' official stance be on this matter, Grayfia-san?"
The maid turned her head toward her .
"As was decided beforehand, non-interference. This was a matter born of human grudges, human mistakes, and human blood. Our hands will remain off this conflict."
Sona's lips pressed into a thin line. She did not argue—she understood the reasoning, but her discontent showed in the slight hardening of her gaze. Behind her, Tsubaki shifted uneasily, while the rest of her peerage exchanged glances.
Grayfia gave no more, no less. She inclined her head again.
"If you will excuse me... I have matters to discuss with Lucifer-sama."
Rias, remained silent. Her crimson eyes flickered with thought, fixed on Grayfia. Why would she need to report directly to my brother if the outcome was so straightforward?
And just like that, the silver-haired maid vanished in a shimmer of magic.
The scene shifted.
In the luxurious halls of the Lucifer , time seemed to move differently. The air was calmer, cooler, filled with the faint perfume of magical flora tended in crystal vases. Rare artifacts lined the shelves—relics of devil history, some glowing faintly with ancient power.
Sirzechs Lucifer sat in his chair, posture relaxed yet imposing, his crimson hair glinting under the golden light of chandeliers. His expression was the same as ever: calm, unreadable, with just a trace of a smile that gave away nothing yet suggested he already knew.
Grayfia is standing in front of him , having told all the story .
Sirzechs laced his fingers together and leaned slightly forward, his voice measured.
"I see... So it is confirmed, then. The Council's hand was in Cleria Belial's death."
Grayfia's eyes lowered briefly. "So how should we move , Maō-sama?"
Sirzechs's smile thinned into something more contemplative.
" At present, we have only one source—unverified. To speak carelessly would not only spread the information and give the culprit to hide evidence .Diehausser is Good at this game but he was close to Cleria , who know how he would react . Let us gather more proof , i want only you and my peergae too proceed on this Greyfia . Once we do... then we shall consider how to proceed."
Grayfia inclined her head , already knowing at what conclusion sirzechs will reach speak . "As you will."
There was a brief silence. The weight of the fire, blood, and ruin unfolding across Japan felt far away here, cushioned by wealth and centuries of politics, yet it lingered in the room all the same.
Then Sirzechs's gaze sharpened, a faint glint of interest in his eyes.
"Now... Tell me more about this Jin Kazuma."
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well guys , my laptop had a problem and i was busy so that took time . be aware of 1-2 chapter , i would be getting back in the rhythm .
this chapter is short because i just want the ball rolling .