“M’lord, with the amount of neidans you are selling, it would be better to wait for our auction. You will be able to get an amazing amount of money for such fresh and pristine neidans. They are less than a month old so the value will most assuredly be tripled in the auction room!” An immaculately dressed dwarf proudly told Lucifer after being handed the sack full of precious pearls.

“When?” Lucifer continued to speak gruffly and bluntly as he did before. He saw no reason to speak with flowery etiquette as Yue had taught was the norm for royal blood.

“Uh m’lord the auction is being held in three days. It will be done in the amphitheater to the north of here, you can't miss it.” The dwarven salesman answered with grace and dignity after his initial stumble at Lucifer's borderline rudeness.

“Good, I want to know where your best Rank 4 and above Alchemists are. I have a request for them.” Lucifer wasted no time and got right to the main reason he had even dared to enter the Trade. The acquisition of a new weapon. His glaive and executioners blade had been destroyed during his venture in the Anguis Chain.

“M’lord, the Alchemist Landing is two floors up from here, would you like me to guide you there?” The stout well dressed dwarf spoke while he motioned with his arm towards the staircase leading upwards.

“Appreciated, let's go see the Landing then.”

“Right this way.” Bowed the dwarf as he began leading Lucifer towards the Alchemist’s Landing.

Upon reaching the Landing, Lucifer bore witness to an unheard of event. A human Alchemist had marched right up to him and began to accost him with an overly aggressive voice.

“What do you want lizard?” The young Alchemist demanded after seeing the seemingly ragged cloak Lucifer wore. It seemed this human could not stand the fact that a poor draconian had dared to enter the prestigious Alchemist Landing.

Hrrrrrrrrrrg

A savage beastial snarl ripped itself through the now silent Landing. All the warriors and Alchemists present had their full attention on Lucifer and the young human before him.

“Don't even think of starting a commotion here! This is the Trade and I'm an Alchemist! If you don't want your pathetic reptilian life to be over-” The Alchemist began to goad and taunt Lucifer into breaking the Trade’s rule of no violence. But alas Lucifer cared not for any so called rules. Even the best dressed dwarven Trade operative, treated him with the utmost respect. Only the tiny 5’6” human before him dared desecrate his Pride.

Whooooosh

“Humans are always so noisy. Master Dwarf, is this one not a perfect example?” Like a gust of wind Lucifer’s large black golden wings burst out. His scaled gauntlet of a hand plucked the Alchemist off the ground by his neck, and held him almost an entire foot off the floor. Cold and callous words flooded the ears of everyone present, they were so laced with venom that the surrounding humans couldn't help but inwardly step back in fright.

“Uhh, yes very much so m’lord!” The dwarven operative stuttered as he tried to think of the best way to diffuse the situation before the idiot of a human, got himself killed. But then again, it would rid the Trade of a pesky and arrogant Alchemist.

“Maybe I should tear out his tongue, to make the rest of this noisy race a bit quieter.” Lucifer continued to speak with the same venomous tongue as he started to think of how best to destroy the ant in his grasp.

“Lord Draconian, he is an Alchemist of only the 1st rank. His death is nothing to be worried over, killing him is the best method of dealing with their kind.” Chimed in a new speaker. Turning to see who dared to speak in his presence Lucifer was startled to find another cloaked figure standing the exact same height as himself. The figure neither bowed nor showed any outward servility when speaking with him, Lucifer assumed that the speaker was similar to himself. An incognito royal or noble. So with a hint of amusement Lucifer chose to see what the new addition had to offer.

“Well stranger, my hands are too good to kill this trash. Would you be so kind to assist me, in the removal of a noisy primate?” Lucifer questioned the strange newcomer.

“Oh, Lord Draconian. I thought you'd never ask.” The stranger spoke out with a melodious voice that contained no end of excitement.

“WAIT! I'm an Alche-” The human gasped as Lucifer dropped him to the floor.

Sliiiiiiiiiice

But only the cold ring of a blade sliding out of its sheath answered.

“Stranger your bladework is praiseworthy. After my requisition is completed I hope to have the chance to learn more about it.” Lucifer spoke with burning anticipation. Maybe only he saw the true beauty of the lightning fast slice, but what he saw was truly astounding. A blade designed like a katana with a long half meter length hilt. The weapon was almost like a cross between both a zweihander and a katana. But the agility it possessed in this stranger's hands made any thoughts Lucifer had of the long weapon being slow.

“Hopefully the Alchemists here can make something befitting of one as powerful as you Lord Draconian. I believe we will be able to cross blades in the near future. For now I must leave, as regrettable as it is to not be able to fight such a powerhouse. My name and salutations will have to suffice. Please call me Bael.” The stranger named himself with an obvious royal flare. The name could very well have been a pseudonym but he wore it well. Even under a cloaked hood, his dramatic and articulate personality could not be hidden. This Bael was truly fit for his name.

“The King of Hell, Bael. Amazing name. Please call me Lucifer.” Lucifer clapped with delight at the marvel of the name. He even used his own name just to match with Bael.

“An equally impressive name, Lucifer the First Angel.” Bael exclaimed with a roaring laughter.

“Seems that great people share equally great names my friend.” Lucifer shared the laugh as he walked forward and offered his hand in a show of goodwill.

“Indeed it does, farewell Lord Lucifer till we meet again.” Bael gracefully returned his gesture with a strong and firm handshake.

“The same to you King Bael.” Lucifer said quietly as he watched the strange Bael, walk out of the Alchemist Landing.

“Now is there any Alchemist capable of forging White Quad-Horned Mamba fangs in this Landing?” Lucifer's Mana infused voice rang out as the excitement from Bael’s appearance died down.

“...”

“No one? Is there anyone capable of using Drake Viper scales?” He continued to call out, with his voice several degrees colder though.

“M’lord, the question you ask is too broad. The Alchemists of the Trade, do much more than just 'forge’ Beast materials. They create weapons of warriors!” The previously silent dwarf that brought him to the Landing finally broke the silence.

“Fine any Alchemist specialized in manufacturing glaives and light armour please let me know. I have fresh neidans as means of payment.” Lucifer spoke annoyed by the lack of answers.

As soon as the words 'fresh neidans’ left Lucifer's mouth tens of Alchemists instantly swarmed him, offering their services. Quickly a bidding war for how many neidans they would work for began between the Alchemists.

“100 neidans and I'll give you the best glaive in the City of Steel boy.” Spoke an aged yet powerful voice. As the voice bounced off the eardrums of everyone present, silence reigned in the previously rowdy Landing.

Seeing the solemn and respectful atmosphere take hold of the Landing, Lucifer too became respectful and called out to the room.

“Venerable. If you want 100 fresh neidans then I'd say wait till the auction.” Lucifer spoke bluntly. “But seeing as you are offering the best glaive in the entirety of Zanigan. I'd have to accept your offer, regardless of the risk of having such a prized weapon.”

“Only a true warrior could handle it anyways. If you can't keep it safe then you have no right to use it.”

“GOOD! Let us conduct business, Venerable!” Lucifer exclaimed in pride as he heard the sage like words that the solemn voice spoke.

In response to Lucifer's excited answer, the dwarf who lead him to the Landing bowed and proceeded to lead him towards another set of stairs. Lucifer seeing as the dwarf chose not to climb, could only forge ahead into the dimly lit staircase going higher into the Trade building.

Walking up the dark spiraling staircase he was lead to, Lucifer took careful steps. His senses heightened to their limits as he prepared himself to face this mystery Alchemist.

The stairs took Lucifer to an open floor. There were no people anywhere in sight, but Lucifer knew that there was someone sitting in the middle of the empty room. His vision saw the intent that the person released: peace.

But Lucifer refused to believe that someone capable of hiding themselves from his dragon eye, were beings to lower his guard around. So he stared at the figure and his wings slowly extended as he crouched into a combat stance.

“Intriguing.” The person said in the same voice that he had heard earlier on the Landing.

“Whatever do you mean Venerable?” Lucifer gambled as he began getting ready for a fight.

“You are the second to be able to see me after that Bael. The Academic exam always brings in amazing talents but this year, monsters are coming.” Chuckled the stoic voice.

“Enough. You need not worry about a fight. If I wanted you dead, do you believe I am incapable of making it so?”

“Honestly? You would have to risk the death of thousands and the destruction of your precious Trade Outpost, if you want my life. I will not die easy.” Lucifer spoke casually as his tail flicked sharply in the air.

“You draconians are always so prideful. Boy, give me the neidans and I'll give you the glaive.”

“Venerable, shouldn't you let me see the weapon first?”

“I'll be making it after so I don't see how that is right hatchling.” The man rose with those words and so to did the light in the empty floor.

A plain wooden room was all Lucifer could see. Except for the large crucible and cauldron that stood behind the man, there was truly nothing else in the room.

“Oi! Old man, what the hell is this? You don't even know my specifications and you say it will be the best in all of Zanigan.” Lucifer finally let out his frustration upon seeing the barren room. There was no way an Alchemist could work with only a crucible and a cauldron. And make something of the magnitude as his glaive, it was absolutely impossible for Lucifer to believe.

“There it is! You young ones always use that pretentious formality with me. I finally got one of you to break!” The man keeled over in laughter. Lucifer was able to make out his features now with the increased light. The man was human as far as Lucifer could tell, a large reddish grey beard covered most of his face. His eyes were a light auburn colour while his brows and scalp lay devoid of any hair. A large black robe covered his body but his large and muscular physique could not be hidden. Standing slightly taller than Lucifer at 6’4” the man was the tallest human Lucifer had ever seen.

“Well boy, you done sizing me up yet?” The man continued to chuckle much to Lucifer's embarrassment.

“Hey geezer, how strong are you?” Lucifer asked as he felt an uncanny feeling that the man before him was at least a General.

“Well hatchling, what does your instincts say?”

“Green, no Blue General or Arch-Magus at least.” Lucifer reasoned with the strange man.

“Very keen senses you have there. But alas I am only a Green Demi-Sage. At 40 years old, I'm only at this level.” Lamented the man as he shook his head before turning and began tinkering with the crucible.

“Hey I still don't know your name Demi-Sage.”

“Ah! The name I am oh so blessed to have is Kain. Kain Talcott. Pleasure to make the acquaintance of such a prestigious draconian such as yourself, Lucifer.”

“Besides the creepiness of you already knowing my name, let's get down to the real business Demi-Sage Talcott. I need a monster's glaive. Four times heavier than your heaviest 4th rank greataxe. Around 8 feet in length, blade included. It has to be able to fend off the direct blows of any Beast below the 5th Rank. I also need a sword for close quarters. Before I used an executioner's blade. I take it you can come up with a suitable replacement?”

“Hmm with those specifications, instead of a weapon why don't you just throw rocks and trees around? Boy I know exactly how strong you are. Don't even try to hide your Yellow Squire strength from me. I will make you a true war glaive, not this club you want. But a weapon for cleaving the earth asunder. Your sword though, pick one up somewhere else. I'm giving you the best glaive and you actually still need a sword, bullshit.”

“...”

“Alright then Demi-Sage Talcott. Let me witness a true war glaive.”

“For a true war glaive with your size and given the fact you don't have true glaive training… I'll charge you 113 neidans. That should be fair considering the quality of it being a 5th rank weapon.”

“Indeed that is very fair, Demi-”

“Fuck brat! Don't say my whole fucking title every sentence! Just call me old man Kain or some other shit you young people say!”

“Uh sure? I'll call you old man Kain, if you want.”

“Well that's better. I hate those fucking pleasantries and over the top formalities.”

“Ahahaha agreed, Mr Kain.”

“Good boy!”

“Here.”

“It's my sigil, you'll be able to get a free room through the Trade with it. Should save you some trouble while you take the exam.”

“You sure it's alright for me to have this?”

“It's wouldn't give it to you if it wasn't now would I? Go on get. I have a war glaive to make!”

Dumbfound Lucifer found himself sitting in a luxurious inn suite. He could scarcely comprehend the mannerisms of the time honoured Demi-Sage. Where was the prestige someone of his strength and power should have? Weren’t powerhouses supposed to be full of mighty presence and have unfathomable depth? Lucifer could not accept that someone of such magnitude, being so free spirited and unrestrained. All of his own dreams of seeing the magnificent demeanor of true warrior, lay in broke crumbled pieces around him.

But the thoughts and words of Kain Talcott whispered after he assumed Lucifer was out of earshot were what truly made Lucifer upset.

“Boy, with your talent you will find maybe five true rivals in your entire life. But do not let that stop you from pursuing the zenith of power. I don't know your past, your current nor your future but if you at your age can already stand here, then you are destined for great things.”

While these words may seem full of expectation and support, Lucifer however saw the flaw they created. If Kain knew his real age and heritage, would those be the same words spoken? Would a man of humanity truly let off a Nephilim born hybrid? And even go as far as to give such praise and place such hope in him? Lucifer felt almost overwhelming inner conflict.

He was bordering 11 years of age. He had the strength to be virtually unhindered in Squire stage. His physical body was already enough to allow him to fight fairly with any Initiate warrior without the use of Mana. His vision itself being akin to a miracle, he could see other's intentions and also had the clarity and power of a dragon. The scales that covered his forearms, hands, shins and feet were as hard as any Rank 2 Beast hide. Wings made for aerial combat; a tail that allowed for perfect balance as well as a lethal weapon, added on to the already massive body that befitted someone double his age.

Lucifer felt empty inside as he thought of his place in the world. He could not be open with anyone, even family was not safe for him. A normal childhood would never be possible for him, even finding a proper mate would likely be impossible. Only battle and bloodshed lay before him. While that was still a positive for Lucifer, it truly made him think about why the Academy would be a place for him. While the other students may be older than him, he may be able to deal with the budding longing he felt for 'two-leg’ company.

Thinking of other students, Lucifer immediately thought of Bael. Bael would likely be close enough to Lucifer's level to produce some challenge if he limited himself. He saw the skill that Bael showed in his iaido. And it was immense, bordering on what he could see from Eric. If what Kain had said about them both being monsters was true, then Bael was also young enough to attend the Academy.

Lucifer knew now why everyone around him urged him to attend the Academy even though he was considered an abomination, it was so he could find 'something’ to escape the darkness that would be his life. If he could make even one friend besides Luna, then it was worth it for him. He wouldn't have to be alone anymore.

Soon sleep took hold of his wayward thoughts and guided him into it's peaceful embrace. Lucifer had the deepest sleep he had since Eric's departure that night. While he slept, Kain was busy forging a true war glaive. A weapon held by the truly powerful warriors for battling against armies and the monstrous Beasts of the Beast Kingdom. A weapon named for its prowess on the battlefield, a weapon for harvesting lives like wheat to a scythe.

“That Lucifer. Truly better than Eric's letter had said. At 11 he is already a Squire, only his arrogance and ignorance truly ruin him. Did he actually believe he could hide his presence even from me? Bah!” Kain scolded as he laboured over the scorching crucible.

“If a hatchling like him could hide from me, I wouldn't be worthy of being a Demi-Sage. But still a Yellow Purity, how in Gaies’ name did he manage that?” The musings of the man continued into the night as he meticulously forged the war glaive. The weapon that would one day allow Lucifer to rend a mountain apart and cleave a river in two.