Gladion (グラディオン, Guradion?) is a Web Knight assigned to guard the Magical Station, a key location within the network. As one of the most powerful Web Knights, he stands as a protector against the threats of Deletloss. Fighting alongside his Web Diver, Kento Yuki, Gladion plays a crucial role in defending the digital world and ensuring its safety.
Biography
Gladion is the leader of the Web Knights and the only knight-type Web Knight who remained free from Deletloss' brainwashing. As one of the Master Web Knights, he possesses exceptional combat prowess and the ability to transform into a steam locomotive. He upholds a strong sense of honor, believing in fighting fairly and never yielding to evil.
His true identity is that of a Qurian, a winged warrior from Planet Quria, located in the 98th star system of the Andromeda Galaxy, approximately 2.4 million light-years away from Earth. He was the undisputed champion of the "Universal Martial Arts Tournament", recognized as the strongest warrior in the cosmos. When Deletloss launched an invasion, Gladion fearlessly stood against them alone, inspiring his fellow Qurian people and warriors from other planets to rise in resistance. His bravery earned him the revered title of "hero" (勇者, Yūsha?).
Despite his efforts, the battle against Deletloss ended in a devastating mutual defeat, leading to the destruction of Planet Quria. Since he had plugged into a computer system during combat, his physical body was lost, leaving him as a mere data entity drifting through cyberspace. For a million years, he wandered across the network, tormented by guilt, until he was eventually drawn into Earth's network system, known as the World Link.
There, he encountered the autonomous management program, Ange, and was reborn as a Web Knight, vowing to protect the Magical Gate and safeguard the smiles of children. By performing Web Dive with Kento, he was able to evolve and unlock the ability to combine with other Web Knights.
His most notable combination is with Wyverion, forming Victory Gladion (ビクトリーグラディオン, Bikutorī Guradion?), a fusion initially designed from the outset. When fused, both Kento and his co-pilot, Kaito Yuki, gain white wings, and their Diver Suits change color to signify the transformation.
In the middle of the series, Gladion was critically damaged in a kamikaze clash with a brainwashed Ditalion, resulting in both of their apparent destruction. However, the remnants of his data were preserved through Ditalion's time-stopping ability after regaining his senses. His revival was brought about by the collective energy of children worldwide, including Kento's classmates.
Later in the series, he suffered a severe defeat against Dark Gladion, leaving him gravely damaged, amnesiac, and on the verge of erasure. However, by Web Diving into his inner consciousness, Kento was able to restore his willpower, leading to his resurrection.
In the final battle, he and Kento undergo a transformation into two distinct Datanoid forms; a digital angel-like entity with a long, legless lower body, and a physical warrior reminiscent of his past self, wielding a sword. Together, they engage in a desperate struggle against Deletloss on both Planet Quria in the real world and in cyberspace, ultimately emerging victorious despite being caught in a catastrophic explosion. Fortunately, they survived the battle.
Special Techniques & Abilities
During battle, GranArmet (グランアーメット, Guran Āmetto?) activates to protect his face, giving him a masked appearance that closely resembles his former self from the past.
- GranBlade (グランブレード, Guranburēdo?) – His signature sword attack, also known as Break Zahn (ブレイク・ザーン, Bureiku Zān?). This technique has the unique ability to purge brainwashing from Web Knights under Deletloss' control.
- GranMagnum (グランマグナム, Guranmagunamu?) – A gun form of the GranBlade, capable of firing Break Shoot (ブレイク・シュート, Bureiku Shūto?), a projectile version of Break Zahn. However, this weapon was rarely used in the series.
- GranShield (グランシールド, Guranshīrudo?) – A defensive ability that blocks incoming attacks.
- GranVulcan (グランバルカン, Guranbarukan?) – A rapid-fire shoulder-mounted cannon barrage.
- GranBlaster (グランブラスター, Guranburasutā?) – A dual-barreled beam cannon mounted on his right arm.
- GranPunch (グランパンチ, Guranpanchi?) – A powerful energy strike launched from his fist.
Behind the Scenes
Portrayal
Gladion's voice is provided by Tomokazu Sugita (杉田 智和, Sugita Tomokazu?), who also provides the title call for the series.
Trivia
- His pronoun of self-reference is "Watashi" (私?), signifying his noble and disciplined nature.