“You know brat, they don’t pay me for this anymore eh?” A tired voice sounded from a broken and worn down cabin in the forest of north-western Farror.

“No want you.” Replied another seemingly exhausted voice, though this one was much more immature.

“Well shit. Here I am busting my balls trying to teach you and all you do is snore half way through everything I try teaching you!” The first voice retorted extremely displeased with the lack of appreciation he was getting from the other.

“Beast better. Fight better. Eric no fight.” Yawned the immature one in nonchalance.

These two voices were Eric and Lucifer. They were currently going through Lucifer’s language lessons. It had been almost 8 months since Eric had finally succeeded in communicating with the wild young boy. The boy who had only met the very first being that hadn’t tried to kill him at first sight. It might not have helped that Lucifer was as lazy as a Earth Wyrm and only waked for food or fighting. Plus he may have an almost uncontrollable bloodlust when he was awake. If not for Eric beating the ever living crap out of Lucifer on a daily(hourly) basis, he may have went on a rampage.

“Fine you want a fight? Speak proper sentences permanently and I’ll let you hunt 3 times a day and sparring will be increased. Deal?” Eric finally relented and gave a new option for the young boy. Shock appeared on Lucifer’s face he thought this was too good to be true, hunting 3 times a day? More ‘sparring’? This was a deal that was almost too good to be true. Seeing the shock on the young boy’s face, Eric smirked. “And I will let you fight two other strong people like me, though they might kill you instantly at the moment. So what is your choice brat?” Eric had sweetened the deal even more.

“What else do you want me to learn?” An astonishingly articulate voice escaped Lucifer’s throat. In response to the sudden question of Lucifer, Eric could only suppress a shiver down with his slowly growing rage.

“IF YOU CAN SPEAK THIS WELL WHY THE FUCK DIDN’T YOU!” Finally Eric exploded after staying silent for almost an entire moment trying to control his temper. He knew that if he punched the little bastard that would start a whole slew of problems. So he only yelled hoping to get a satisfying answer while knowing it was pointless.

“Well, before you still understood me.” Lucifer blatantly said as if there was nothing wrong at all with his too honest of an answer. He only stared at Eric awaiting the continuation of the language lessons so that he could go hunting or spar with Eric. A complete airhead was what Lucifer was. Completely oblivious to other’s emotions or thoughts.

But he was a complete natural fighter that would make the Elemental Academy and empires worldwide want him in their employ. Thinking of how many would want and try to befriend him Eric couldn’t help but smile. This was the child of the woman he loved and after being with the boy for so long he had already treated him like his own son. Albeit he ‘trained’ Lucifer even harder because of that, though Lucifer wouldn’t know that until much later in his life.

“Alright, but remember what I said about other people won’t be as understanding as me so always talk properly.” Eric finally relented seeing that Lucifer simply could not grasp how he felt because of his age and growing circumstances. But Eric asked a question that had been on his mind for a long time. “Lucifer?”

“What is it?”

“Are you upset you grew up in the forest and not amongst others of your race?”

“Why would I? The forests and Beasts were better and made more sense then all these rules and ‘etiquette’ that you are teaching me.”

“Then do you wish that I never came?”

“Well if you never came, then I would have never known about the outside. So even if you didn’t come nothing would have happened to me right?” This thinking of Lucifer’s might seem to be heartless considering how much Eric was doing for him. But Lucifer simply did not know of his own history, so how could he understand what exactly Eric was doing. Lucifer did not even know why someone as strong as Eric would be in this part of the forest. He knew that there were areas for stronger Beasts and if Eric was a hunter he should be in those areas not here with him. So while he trusted and listened to Eric, it was mostly to understand Eric and gain the strength to return the humiliation he got in their first meeting. It was a purely for self benefit that he stayed and learned from the older man.

“Then what if I said that there was a place that could make you stronger than here? Would you go there or stay here among the Beasts or leave?” Eric questioned with a smirk as if knowing what Lucifer was thinking. He knew that Lucifer did not consider him a father like he considered the boy a son. But he knew that unconsciously Lucifer was becoming attached to him. Just looking at how the little devil looked forward to their so called sparring sessions or to the times when he taught Lucifer the way to cook meat. The look of absolute reverence on the face of Lucifer was one of the absolute best memories in the grizzled warrior’s mind. “Or better yet if I told you there was place where you got paid to kill. You remember what money is right?”

A glint flashed through Lucifer’s heterochromic eyes at the mention of killing and money. He had a very strong bloodlust so how could he not know about killing? It was his second favourite thing in the world! But the thing that truly that truly ignited the passion in Lucifer was money. More specifically gold. Every dragon and dragon related Beast absolutely loved gold. There had been many studies done regarding this. From starting a fight with a dragon then throwing away gold and calmly walking away after, to even training fledgling dragons with small nuggets of the shiny ore. Many scholars came up with ridiculous theories to explain dragon’s fascination with gold, but they were after all theories. No one had found the real definitive proof over the thousands of years of recorded history. Eric had witnessed his teacher at the Elemental Academy use small gold coins to train a Flamewind Wyvern during his stay at the school. And decided to see if the same occurrence happened with those with dragon ancestry like Lucifer. He had seen the obscene amount of gold in the Levin Royal Castle and thought it might have been true. Only after witnessing a near insane Lucifer battle without regard for his limbs; for a small pouch of gold, did he truly believe the rumours of dragons being insane for the ore.

“Where?”

“Where what Lucifer? Answer my question first before changing topics. We did agree to you talking properly from now on.” Eric cooed with a shit eating grin on his face while crossing his arms. It truly felt good to manipulate dragon blooded beings with gold. He almost laughed at how easy it was to do.

“Eric. Tell me what this place you speak of where gold is given for killing. I am going there and I will get as much gold as possible.” Lucifer bluntly replied while giving his tone a very sharp edge. He most definitely had to go this place of gold for bodies. He had to.

“I'll tell you on the condition you finish our lessons and once your Mana Core has formed. That place isn't for weaklings like yourself. So until I determine you strong enough, you will listen to my every command and teaching.”

“Fine. If there really is such a place, I agree. But only if you tell me about it first.” Lucifer bargained with his teacher. His body and mind telling him that he needed the gold. It was such an urge that Lucifer could only think of how to get more gold. He was hooked on the shiny ore like an addict. A very bloodthirsty and insane addict.

Seeing that the boy was surprisingly willing to comply with following his deal, Eric began explaining the world of Gaies to Lucifer. He started explaining about society of Gaies.

“Lucifer, there are places where no trees grow in this land. Those places also have large stone walls and people like us live there. Those places are called cities. They allow people without strength to survive, but I know you believe that people without strength should die. So I'll explain their purpose to those cities. The people without strength are mostly called ‘commoners.’ They for the most part grow man fruits and raise domesticated Beasts to serve as food. Commoners have a very important role in the survival of cities. Never look down on those without strength Lucifer. Promise me?” Eric calmly told Lucifer hoping that the boy didn't become oppressive to those weaker than him. The boy was going to be immensely powerful and if he became a tyrant Eric would feel no idea of shame and self-loathing. After receiving a nod of approval, Eric continued his lesson. “Besides commoners there are also nobles. Nobles are a pain in the ass and you will hate them most likely. Nobles are families of power. They are created by strong and smart warriors coming together and procreating. They create a family that way. The family tends to make very strong warriors as time passes. Much like strong types of Beasts, the strong get stronger and the weak get weaker. While Beasts never over hunt or bully the weaker around them, nobles on the other hand tend to. They bully and force commoners into terrible situations. Never fully trust a noble’s words Lucifer or pick unneeded fights with them. Promise? This is important because warriors as strong as me or stronger are in or protecting those families. I'll let you know when you have no need to worry until then. Keep this promise.” Eric became extremely serious as he spoke these words to Lucifer causing the boy to become shocked and a little afraid. Group of people that were stronger than Eric and there were many different groups of them. Hastily nodding in understanding Lucifer committed all of Eric’s words to heart.

“Now that you know about cities I'll explain the levels of strength in this world for warriors like us. We as warriors are divided into two categories: Magus and Spellblade. Magus are a spellcaster type profession. Spellcasters are warriors that use Mana to summon elements and hurl them at their enemies from afar. Based on their Mana Purity and Element a Magus; can unleash destructive spells at a distance, such as summoning an earthquake to shake and destroy foes. A Magus is extremely versatile in their capabilities of spellcasting, capable of aiding allies and destroying large areas with high ranked spells. The differences between the different ranks of Magus are their ability to use high order magics and size of Mana Core. The Mana Core’s size dictates how much Mana one has at their disposal. While their Mana Purity indicates the speed of spellcasting and power of the spell. Ok?” After seeing an unusually attentive Lucifer, Eric chuckled before continuing his lecture.

“Now I'll explain the other type of warrior: Spellblade. I personally am a Spellblade. One of the Light Element. Because of my race as a pureblood human my affinity to Light is higher than some races. But that's besides the point. A Spellblade, is a close combat type profession. Based on using Mana and the Element of the Spellblade, Spellblades use close quarters spells such as summoning a weapon of their element or enhancing their body with their magical capabilities. Another thing that Spellblades do is generating a Mana armour that helps defend against a Magus’ long range spells. The main difference in the different ranks of Spellblades are that they last longer while fighting. But there is big difference between the different levels of Spellblades when Mana Purity comes into play. A Spellblade with a higher Mana Purity fighting another Spellblade with the same level of Mana Core would absolutely massacre his opponent. The higher Mana Purity would rip apart the opposing Mana armour, rendering the defender completely open to attack. But weapon skill and quality of weapon and armour would play an effect in every fight for both professions.” Eric calmly explained.

Slowly digesting what had been told to him, Lucifer began to ponder if he would be able to match any of the warriors that Eric had told him about. Mind racing at the fact of their being others to fight against Lucifer became even more focused to learn everything Eric would teach him. He even started forgetting his original intent in learning, after hearing about the wider world outside of his forest.

“Eric how can weapons and armour affect a battle between two warriors? Is strength and skill not the dividing factors of victory and defeat?” Lucifer finally couldn't bear to not ask after pondering over the new info in his brain.

“What is better a Steelgore’s antlers or a deer's antlers?”

“Obviously the Steel gore antlers. Why say something so stupid?”

“Same concept with weapons boy. Was your old spear sharper than my naginata? No. A better weapon can destroy even the hardest defences.”

“So armour is the same but with defence? Like a Icescale Viper’s hide compared to a Blaze Wolf’s fur?”

“Exactly.” Eric proudly smiled at the analogy Lucifer came up with. Only after hearing it once he was able to understand and even find living examples of Beasts whose armour was superior to another similarly powerful Beast.

“Alright but does this explain about the gold and killing Eric?” Questioned the boy finally comprehending all the info that was dumped on him.

“Almost there kiddo. Quick question, what happens when there is a strong Beast by a city?”

“No clue.”

“It attacks any surrounding creature that is in its territory. So it'll kill any person that leaves the city. The city hires, so pays anyone who kills it. And then a Beast’s body can be used to make armour and weapons by an alchemist. So selling the corpse is also a way to make gold. The stronger the Beast the better the gear that can be made, making it worth more gold. Oh! I forgot. All Beasts have a Mana Core alright? Those are worth quite a pretty penny if you get a good one. Variant Element Beast Cores are worth the most.” Eric explained with a slight smile. He loved seeing such an attentive student. Especially one known for falling asleep in the midst of a lecture.

“Holy fuck. I could have so much gold if I saved up from before I met you! Arghhh! Fuck you Eric, why didn't you tell me sooner!” Lucifer suddenly raged at the new found info about the ways Beasts could be used to make more gold. He had killed hundreds of Beasts he should have so much gold! And with a knowing smile Eric answered the raging child.

“The Rank 1 Beasts you killed weren't worth much if you add them all up they might make up the value of that pouch I showed you. Get stronger kid. Rank 3 and higher are where people normally hunt for Beasts. But Mid and High Order Beasts are worth alot no matter the rank. You only killed Low Order Beasts in this area.” Eric quickly straightened out Lucifer’s misconstrued thoughts of how much gold he could have. Along with a swift punch to the boy's head.

“Alright. So who gives the warriors gold?”

“A group so to say, does. The group is called the Trade. The Trade, allows merchants and city governments to request; a warrior or group of warriors, a Task. A Task is usually a bounty for a specific Beast, rare Mana fruit or bandit group. It can also be a request for warriors to protect a merchant's goods while they travel. And also various other things. The Trade has an outpost in every city across the world and is the most powerful organization besides the Elemental Academy.” Explained Eric to his young ward.

“Another thing that you particularly must know about is Empires and Kingdoms. Kingdoms are the rulers of countries; a large area of land. Empires are rulers of multiple Kingdoms. These two entities have what is called an army. An army is where I used to work. An army is where warriors, Magus and Spellblades work for either Empire or Kingdom as a soldier. Soldiers follow the orders of their commanding officer who is ordered by the Empire or Kingdom to do anything from hunting Beasts to guarding an area from other Kingdoms and empires and also protecting commoners in the cities. I was a Commander for a very powerful Empire. This Empire had 8 Kingdoms under it and is the biggest Empire in Farror, the Levin Empire.” continued Eric as Lucifer slowly began to truly understand how much bigger the world was than what he was used to.

“I being a human was different to those from Levin. They are draconians human like beings that possess scales like a dragon on parts of their body. Draconians are made when a dragon uses Mana to form a humanlike body and procreates. They are a very powerful race and have amazing magical aptitude for their Element. I was recruited from the Elemental Academy to work for Levin at a young age because of my talent in fighting. I received gold for every enemy kill I made as well as everyday I worked for Levin as a Commander. I made easily 5000 times the amount of gold you would have from your life in the forests before I quit working for Levin.” Eric finally finished lecturing the now quivering Lucifer that was fighting to sit still. This had to have been the most listening Lucifer had ever listened to without passing out or going on a ramble trying to kill something. And he was finally at the end of his rope.

“Eric. Thank you for telling me all this. But I have to fucking kill something right mother fucking now.” Lucifer began to stutter. He really was barely on the edge of losing to his bloodlust and assaulting anything around him. A Nephilim’s battle craze cannot be underestimated or understood with common sense. Same for a dragon’s obsession with gold. And this dragon had found out a way to get gold while satisfying it’s own urge to slaughter.

Seeing the shaking Lucifer barely controlling himself Eric couldn't help but be proud of the boy. He held on for hours when normally minutes were the most Eric could hope for. Smiling and giving an affirmative nod, Eric let Lucifer go hunt. Then calling after the boy whose form could barely be made out. “Bring back dinner!” Eric laughed at how excited the boy was.