The next few months went by faster once the pressure of discovery lessened. Romulus spent his days developing a routine; wake up each morning and eat alongside Tannin, Mephisto and the occasional guest, leave with Tannin for physical training and if he did well, receive a prize in the form of a scale for his collection. After that it was lunch back at the castle and then magical training with Mephisto, interrupted only by dinner, until late at night before going to bed. The routine had only changed when Romulus had gained another form of training. Seeking to use the scales he had been accumulating from his practices with his master he began an apprenticeship under the local magical blacksmith, adding up to six hours more work to his day. Soon enough an entire five months had passed since the boy's arrival in the wake of great tragedy and already he showed massive improvement.

Romulus woke up, just as he did every morning, at seven a.m on the dot and proceeded to dress. He pulled up his pants and slipped on a bright green t-shirt before pulling on two sweat bands that Tannin gave him. He flew down the long halls of the castle as he did everyday in order to increase his flight capabilities, smiling as the servants deftly moved out of his way as he became a streak of violet light. The dining room was empty save for Mephisto, who was calmly sipping his morning coffee and reading what looked like a mortal newspaper, and Tannin, who had shrunk his size so that he could sit and eat at the table.

Romulus himself pulled out his normal chair and thanked the servants as they placed his breakfast, toast, eggs and orange juice, in front of him. The entire affair was quiet, with only the soft sounds of chewing, drinking or the pitter patter of the servants' feet to disturb the perfect calm.

Mephisto, breaking normal proceeding, was the first one to break their comfortable silence, turning to his charge.

"Romulus, over the last five months you have made exceptional progress in all of your studies, however I've come to notice that you have forgone forming social bonds, even with the children that join you in your blacksmithing classes."

"I don't like those kids Mr. Mephisto." Said Romulus, looking down at his plate. "None of them like me because I'm better than them at the blacksmithing. The teacher says that I'm better than all the others and that I might move up a class."

"Romulus, I understand that making friends is hard, but you have to try not to isolate yourself."

"Give the kid a break Mephisto." Tannin turned to the two. "It's only been five months, the kid lost everything he had, besides, I remember when Sirzechs and Ajuka were that young and they didn't have friends amongst their age groups either, Serafall was more than ten years older than them and they only became friends because no one else tolerated her fixation with magical girls, even back before anyone knew what they were."

"See Mr. Mephisto, Tannin says it's ok."

"Romulus, what Tannin said is accurate but you have to understand, Sirzechs and Ajuka had each other, they had a rival to ground them and make sure that they didn't become detached. You on the other hand... I haven't seen you even try to interact or make friends with others. That is why I've talked with one of my associates. He will be dropping off one of his charges. Tannin, the visitor will be joining you and Romulus for physical training."

"Mephisto you can't be serious. The kid's been getting better and better over the last few months. The last thing we need is some rookie coming in. Even if you think he can help the kid make friends."

"Mr. Tannin's right Mr. Mephisto, I don't need someone to come and mess up my training. I need to get stronger so I can stand up to the Maous."

"I didn't say he was here to help you make friends Romulus. He's here to help you find a rival."

The conversation halted when a black teleportation circle emerged in the middle of the room. Two figures could be seen covered in shadow from the light of the magic circle.

"I told you Azazel, I don't need to make any stupid friends. Let me get back to my training and leave me alone."

"Not today Vali. Besides you could use some friends, it might get you to lighten up some."

"Shut up old man."

The light cleared, revealing to forms of a relatively tall man with black hair and blonde hair and a young boy with silver hair. The man was dressed in a mulberry overcoat tightly fastened with black belts around his waist, torso and arms as well as having grey business pants and maroon shoes. The boy was dressed for exercise, with a blue training shirt, running shorts, sweatbands around his wrists and forehead and standard sports shoes.

"Ah Azazel." Mephisto addressed the man with a tone of pleasant familiarity. "Thank you for coming."

"No problem 'Phisto I needed an excuse to get Vali here to stop beating on my underlings." Azazel replied, ruffling the boy's hair as he looked over the other occupants.

"It's not my fault none of them put up a good fight." The silver haired boy, who Romulus assumed was names Vali, said as he crossed his arms over his chest, clearly frustrated.

Mephisto and Azazel chuckled. "Well fear not young man, I'm sure Romulus will prove a worthy adversary for you to train with." Assured the Devil. "Tannin if you would.. be...so kind. Tannin what are you doing?"

The dragon was sniffing the air and staring intently at Vali, his eyes narrowed.

"I know that smell... Albion, Albion you heap of dragon dung come out, you can't hide yourself from me."

'Huh, I wasn't trying to old friend. It's good to see you Tannin.'

"Same to you Vanishing dragon. Is this kid your new host?"

'Yes he is, and a fine one at that, already he has unlocked my powers, and he is getting close to unlocking the Scale Mail.'

"Huh, sounds like a good host, maybe the best I've heard of yet, but my student'll rip right through him."

'I think not, Vali will triumph.'

"Well then, I guess we'll see who's the better teacher eh?"

"Hey Albion, you know this guy?" Vali interrupted the two dragons.

'Yes Partner, Tannin was an old friend of mine before the red one and I were sealed.'

"Is he strong."

'He is, he was a member of the dragon kings, five of the strongest dragons outside of the red one, Ophis, Great Red and I.'

"Hey you! I want to fight you!" Vali pointed a finger at Tannin. The dragon king looked at Vali, considering him with his gaze, only to burst into laughter. He wasn't the only one either, Azazel, Romulus, Albion and even Mephisto chuckled at Vali's presumptiveness.

"You're funny kid, but don't get a big head, I might not be as strong as that pompous reptile who's gear you have but you're a far cry from him and even now I could squash you like a bug with one foot."

'Vali now is not the time to challenge one such as Tannin, your desire to fight strong opponents must be tempered with realism young one or it will lead you to your doom. Not all who you challenge will be as lenient as my old friend.'

"Well." Azazel made his voice known. "I'd better be off, there's some stuff I have to deal with. Vali, be nice and don't destroy anything, I'll be back in the evening, you know... probably."

The Grigori leader vanished in a flash of light before Vali could even protest.

"Hey old man! You can't just leave me here, what am I supposed to do?"

"You'll train."

Vali looked over at Romulus.

"What?"

"You"ll train with us. Tannin and I are going to the bull oak woods for my training, if you want you can come too."

"I guess that sounds ok. But don't slow me down." Vali turned his head from the young devil.

"What!? I won't slow anyone down, if anything, I'll have to stop so you can keep up!"

"What was that!?"

"You heard me!"

Mephisto and Tannin looked at the two squabbling boys, so caught up in their argument that they were now wrestling on the floor.

"Mephisto." Said Tannin.

"Yes?"

"I think you might've had a point about the whole rival thing."

"I'm glad you see things my way."

The training had gone surprisingly well all things considered, since the very beginning both boys had been trying to prove themselves superior to the other in one form or another, often leading to injuries in the party that was lacking, not that either complained for fear of looking inferior or weak. Tannin and Albion had had to work together to stop Vali after his hands began to bleed from punching the Bull Oak trees. The boy's pride had taken quite a hit seeing Romulus continue on for three thousand strikes compared to his own meager fifty. Likewise Tannin had forced Romulus to rest after Vali had outclassed him in aerial combat, sending the Titanius heir crashing to the ground multiple times.

However it was their final competition was by far the most brutal. the two were sparring amongst the trees, Vali making use of his speed to quickly move around, trying to find a way past Romulus' iron defense. Meanwhile Romulus was moving far less, instead keeping up a barrier so that Vali couldn't get to him and drain his power with the divine dividing. Their stalemate had lasted for nearly an hour, both steadily slowing down as their energy was expended with powerful attacks and sturdy defense. Vali was moving much slower, his energy drained to the point where he wouldn't be able to activate his gear even if he managed to hit his foe, at the same time Romulus' barriers were flickering, lasting for much less time and were lacking in strength. Tannin could tell that soon they would be forced into plain hand to hand combat.

Vali blasted forward, using a direct path and placing all of his remaining power into his frontal attack. Romulus turned to face his foe, forcing the last remnants of his magic into a shield to defend against Vali. The two forces clashed, and for a moment it seemed like an unstoppable force had met an immovable object. However in the end Vali was not unstoppable and Romulus was not immovable, Vali's punch shattered the barrier, following through on a direct path to Romulus. Likewise the shield had drained Vali of most of his power and Romulus moved forward with his own punch.

The two met in the middle, Vali's fist slamming into Romulus' face, and Romulus' punch meeting Vali's cheek with equal force. Their bodies collided and the two boys fell to the ground, equally exhausted.

"I...huh...win..." Both of them muttered out, panting in exhaustion.

'Well Tannin, it seems Vali and the boy are most evenly matched.' Thought out Albion from within his gear.

"Yep, they've gone and beaten each other to the point where they can't even move."

Away from where the dragon king and heavenly dragon were talking Romulus and Vali laid on their backs, their breaths heavy, looking up at the sky.

"You... punch... good." Wheezed out Romulus, his chest heaving as he took in great gasps of air.

"So... do... you." Vali returned, lying with his head by Romulus' feet and his feet by the other boy's head.

"Wanna go again?" Asked Romulus.

"I could do this all day." Panted Vali

"Then get up."

"Shut up."

"Ah...hahaha." the two boys began to chuckle, their laughs tires and weak but growing stronger. They laid on the ground staring up at the sky, laughing loudly and incessantly.

"Well it looks like you two had a good fight." Tannin's booming voice held a significant tone of amusement.

"I won Mr. Tannin." Said Romulus, trying and failing to get up without support.

"He didn't, I won, tell them Albion." Vali protested.

'You both fought well.' Said the dragon. 'You two have an equal amount of power and ability. Perhaps in the future you will make a powerful team.'

The two boys looked over at each other, their faces morphing into smiles. Tannin picked both of them up, throwing them both over his shoulder.

"Time to go back. Romulus you have magic and blacksmithing training soon and we need one of the healers to get you in moving condition." He then turned to Vali.

"As for you, Azazel will be back soon, you're going to need some rest and attention from the healers if you're going to be moving at all."

Both boys nodded from their position as the three set off towards Mephisto's castle.

As it turned out neither of them really needed much care, just a quick heal for some bruising and a lot of energy replenishers, by the time Azazel came for Vali the young dragon emperor and Romulus were sitting on a couch, playing a game.

Azazel was shocked to see Vali just sitting down and playing with someone else, even though he had quite a sour look on his face and looking quickly at the screen Azazel could see he was losing badly, since Vali usually spent all of his time training or fighting.

"Well this is new."

The two boys paused from their game to stare at the newly arrived fallen angel.

"Hey old man." Said Vali, getting up with a slight wince as he rotated his arm. "You took your sweet time coming back."

"Well I wanted to have some peace and quiet with my research before you came back and gave me a headache."

"Well its good that these two were able to strike up a rivalry in just one afternoon." Tannin interrupted as he walked into the room.

"Now, Romulus you have magic lessons with Mephisto, and you need to finish the fifth level spells if you are going to apply for the advanced magus aptitude test in the new year."

"Ok Mr. Tannin, is Mr. Mephisto in the library or the spell-caster grounds?"

"Spell grounds."

"OK bye. See you later Vali."

"See you."

Romulus jumped up, unleashing his violet wings before blasting out the door in a rush of air.

"Are you sure you won't let me run some experiments on him, those wings are incredible."

"Mephisto made it quite clear that you could approach him personally."

"Maybe next time. Come on Vali, it's time to go home."

"Fine. But I need to come back next week. Romulus and I have a rematch."

"... Wow, did you give him a brain transplant?"

"No, just some good competition."

Romulus flew through the halls, racing down the halls to the spell-caster grounds. The grounds themselves were an area blocked off from the rest of the castle. Inside was an automated system of spell firing mechanisms that allowed a person to test their casting speed, defensive power and countering ability. The room was practically a heaven for a Titanius member hoping to improve their skills and for Romulus it was not exception. Once Mephisto had deemed Romulus advanced enough with his spells most of their training sessions were held on the grounds, they only really used the library to study spells when Romulus had perfected his previous set, Mephisto had made it a priority to make sure that Romulus practiced to perfection before advancing to temper his impatience. After all, Romulus was planning to go against the Maous, the four strongest beings in the underworld, it would not do well to advance without proper caution.

The young boy entered into the room, hoping and expecting to find his teacher setting the various levels of the machines so that he could practice his latest set of spells. He was surprise, however, to find that his master was not alone; standing off to the side was a group of people. Most of them were teenagers, probably along the ages of fifteen to sixteen, with a few middle-aged adults standing around, monitoring things with Mephisto and occasionally pointing at the final member of the group.

She was neither a teen or an adult, standing slightly off from the group but still close enough to be considered a part of it was a girl around his age. She had pale blonde hair that fell in long wavy curls past her shoulders to her mid-back. Pale white skin that seemed to glow in the light and vivid green eyes that scanned the whole room, coming to rest on him and return his stare. She was beautiful and although he was just a child himself Romulus felt his cheeks light up.

'She's pretty.'

The thought played faster through his mind than he could track and was gone as his name was called by Mephisto.

"What is it Mr. Mephisto. Why are they here?" Pointing to the group that looked indignant at his blunt words and pointing.

"They are an advanced magic class Romulus, they are having a surprise exam on spell countering and need the grounds."

"Can't you tell them to leave Mr. Mephisto, we used the grounds first."

"Now Romulus, that is not how things work, they booked the grounds for the exam and I will not override a pre-approved test just because you do not want to put off training. Just wait for them to finish."

Romulus pouted as he looked for an open seat, as he walked through the class he saw as the first student moved to the center of the ring. The spell shooters, an advanced training mechanism that remotely fired spells from a device that looked like a modified mounted machine gun, whirled to life, barrels moving steadily faster before they began to fire.

The student responded to the incoming attacks by casting a protective shield. The dome of energy formed around him, blocking and dissipating the various spells that slammed against it.

On the sidelines Romulus looked on bored at the display, the magician performing was taking no measure to actively counter the attacks, instead choosing to simply reinforce his defense until the spells simply didn't have the power to pierce it. Romulus could understand that approach, against a sufficiently powerful force, most likely more powerful than one's self, it was a sound strategy, forgo tailoring defensed to specific types of attacks and simply focus on surviving the barrage. However the spells were more than weak enough for any competent magician to tailor their shield to actively counter the spells coming in, conserving energy at the cost of deeper concentration. He himself was practicing an advanced countering spell meant to deal with multiple opponents firing different spells from multiple rotating angles.

Any more criticism for the older boy was cut short by a scoff coming from his immediate right. Turning to see who shared his view of the student's method he was greeted with the green eyes and long blonde hair of the same girls who had drawn his eyes before. Seeing her so close brought a blush to his face, his eyes widening as he began to fidget uncomfortably before looking down and away from her.

"You see it too don't you." His head looked up slowly as she spoke, her eyes never leaving his red face, even as she gained a twinge of red at his proximity

"W-what do you mean?" His voice came out as a stammer, his eyes darting back and forth, trying to avoid her gaze.

"He isn't doing it right, he's just defending, not countering, the whole point of this exam is to show that you can counter spells."

Romulus looked at her with widened eyes.

"How do you know that?"

"I'm a part of the class, we were all told what this test is about."

"Aren't you a little young to be in an advanced class?"

"Yeah, aren't you a little young to be training with Lord Mephisto?"

"I guess but I'm working on a special program."

"Me too, that's why I'm here, they won't advance me further because of my age, they don't understand that I get all of this already."

"That's really cool, I didn't know people could move so far ahead."

"They told me I'm special, I have something called a Sacred Gear, it makes me better at magic and stuff."

"Wow, I heard about those, they're supposed to be really powerful."

"Yeah, they said mine's a strong one, Innovate Gear or something, the library doesn't have an entry on it."

"That's cool."

"Yeah..."

"I'm Romulus."

"I know, I heard Lord Mephisto call you."

"...What's your name."

"...Adrianna."

"Hi Adrianna."

"Hi Romulus."

"...Wanna be friends?"

"Why?"

"Mr Mephisto says I need to make more friends, but all the other kids are so... stupid."

Adrianna looked at him, her eyes wide, before it broke into a grin.

"I know, they think learning to float a feather is so cool..."

"But it's not, I know, and all they think about is shooting giant lasers and flying around."

"They're such kids."

"Hey, we're kids too."

"Yeah but we're different."

"I guess... so since we're both different, you wanna be friends?"

"...Sure, but only if you don't give me cooties."

"You're a girl, you'll give me cooties."

"Will not."

"Will so."

"Will not."

"Will so."

"Will not."

"Miss Adrianna Lorelei."

"Yes Ms. Sutherland."

"Mr. Adrian has finished his exam, if you would be so kind as to stop your distracting chatter and move to the center of the ring."

Adrianna stood up from her seat and began to walk, all the while the other class members looked at her with resentment and smug amusement.

"Hold on one second."

Mephisto Pheles strode to the center of the teachers as all of them turning to look at the leader of their association.

"I think did promise Romulus practice on the grounds, I would very much appreciate it if he could perform next."

The teachers shared looked between themselves, it was a violation of protocol and could contaminate the test but could they actively reject the wishes of their leader.

"It's quite unconventional Lord Mephisto, we don't want to contaminate the conditions of the test."

"Nonsense, Romulus will finish quickly, won't you?"

"Um, of course Mr Mephisto, but is it really ok?"

"Of course, its not a problem is it?" The old devil turned to the teachers, his eyes carrying a look that brokered no argument from the teachers, cowing them into giving hesitant and demure nods. Mephisto smiled as he saw them reluctantly agree.

"Wonderful, Romulus, take your place if you would." Romulus moved to the center of the room, looking apologetically at Adrianna as she walked back to her seat, the faces of her classmates turning to sneers as she passed. Turning to his teacher he saw a flash of something in he eyes, diabolical planning and triumph, as if the right pieces had moved into place just in time for him to win whatever game he was playing.

"Ready?"

"I guess."

Romulus cast his spell, a domed shield with colors spanning the rainbow making it up. The colors pulsed and moved, growing and shrinking in size. Romulus surveyed the room, only to meet the piercing gaze of Adrianna, she was staring intently at him. No, he realized, not him, his shield. Her eyes studied every inch of it, as if committing each part of it to memory. Her eyes held a look of wonder and fascination that intrigued Romulus and suddenly he felt a need, a need to do his best, better than he had ever done before. To show her what he was capable of.

The spell shooters whirled up, coming to life again as he tore his attention from his new friend and odd interest. Each turret began to fire a different type of spell, varying in elements and intensities. The colors of his shield immediately ceased their gentle, almost lazy motions and snapped into connecting shapes, moving along each other to intercept certain spell types.

Off to the side the student looked on in amazement as the machines continued firing. Mephisto looked on with a smirk as he observed the gathered student.

"Add variables."

The turrets popped up, tracks appearing under them as they began moving in different directions, nearly a dozen machines firing from different tracks that swung up to perform three dimensional movements. The floor opened up, leaving the young boy on a small raised platform with turrets and spells flying from every direction.

Romulus stood with deep concentration etched into his face, his young and full features pulled and creased as if trying to work out a frustrating problem. Even so he remained calm and composed as a series of spells fired at his back. The shield maintained its form even under the assault the correct countermeasures to those certain spells blocking just in time.

"That's enough Romulus, you can stop."

The spell shooters came to a stop, their barrels slowing to a stop as steam and magical exhaust leaked from the machines into the air, a sign of their thorough usage.

"Excellent Romulus, a job well done. Please take a seat and wait, I will be with you after the test."

The boy nodded to his teacher, once again taking his seat next to Adrianna, who was now observing him with near disturbing focus.

"W-what?"

"Nothing."

"You're looking at me funny."

"No I'm not."

"Yes you are."

"Miss Lorelei, you are next I believe."

"Yes Lord Mephisto."

"Well then, come up and begin your test."

Adrianna stood once again, looking over at Romulus as if to ensure he wouldn't interrupt her again. She stood where just seconds ago he had and waited.

"Miss Lorelei, are you ready?"

"Yes sir."

"Then we will begin."

The spell shooters once again warmed up and Romulus allowed himself to observe his new friend. The turrets fired their first shots before Adrianna formed her barrier, only to dissipate harmlessly as she projected the exact same shield spell as he had.

Romulus shot up from his seat, staring with a gaping jaw and a look of shock to compliment his open mouth. To the side Mephisto let a toothy smile play across his face as he watched his pupil look at the girl who had so quickly (if somewhat crudely) copied his spell.

"W-what, h-how is she doing that?" Romulus' voice was a stammer as he watched Adrianna perform a spell he had spent nearly a week learning, performed by a girl he had just met.

"Everything I could have hoped for." Muttered Mephisto under his breath, watching as the assembled students and teachers gaped in awe at the young prodigy.

"Miss Lorelei that is enough."

The spells shooters slowed before coming to a complete stop, ending the test long before it was due, accompanied by protests by the various instructors.

"Lord Mephisto, this is highly irregular."

"We cannot just have her halt the test before it is complete."

Their protests were silenced however, by the simple waving of the devil lord's hand.

"Romulus, Miss Lorelei, please follow me."

"Ok Mr. Mephisto."

"Of course Lord Mephisto."

The two children obediently followed the older man, leaving the training grounds to the sounds of bickering teachers and complaining teenagers.

The walk with Mephisto was far more quiet than Romulus was used to. Even at his most silent Mephisto would still mutter to himself somewhat, contemplating plans and formulae or just conversing to ensure that Romulus would not become bored or lose focus, as young children were known to do.

Instead the boy was left with nothing but stoic silence from the old devil, and so in an attempt to clear the growing atmosphere of discomfort and tension he turned to the girl who had not so long ago shocked and fascinated him.

"How'd you do it?" He asked his voice thick with curiosity

"Do what?" Unlike him her voice was laced with a large amount of nervousness, her hands constantly fidgeting as if to show the depths of her concern for the Association head's sudden interest.

"Copy my spell like that, I've been learning it for a week and no one else could've learned it, it's a a family spell." At the last part of the sentence his voice grew thick with emotion. sorrow and determination shining in his downcast eyes.

"It's just something i've always been able to do. Spells are easy for me. They say that it's my sacred gear, making me better at magic but they still say I'm talented."

Her head bowed down as if expecting some sort of confrontation.

"That's cool."

Romulus looked at her, confused as to why she looked like she was about to receive punishment of scolding.

"I guess... you're not mad?"

"Why wold I be mad?"

"Most people don't like me copying their spells, they say it's cheating."

"Really, why? It's so cool you can learn spells like that."

Adrianna's shadowed eyes took on a sparkle of hope, her head tilting up just a little bit.

"Really?"

"Yeah."

"...Thanks."

"For what?"

"Not being mad."

"We're friends right friends don't get mad at each other for stupid stuff."

She gave a shy smile, her eyes looking up at him from where they used to stare solidly at the ground.

"Yeah... yeah I guess you're right."

"Great."

The rest of the walk down the impossibly long hallway was spent filled with the sound of two highly advanced six year olds chattering to each other. Romulus talked greatly and with much enthusiasm about his training under Mephisto and Tannin, while Adrianna recounted her time learning about magic from professors who thought she was dumb.

The two continued on talking, so engrossed in each other that they didn't notice their chaperone stopping in front of a large set of double doors. Consequently the two walked right into Mephisto's legs, falling backwards as they crashed into the far sturdier adult.

"Ahhh. Mr Mephisto what are you... What's going on, I though we were gonna work on my spell casting."

The three stood right in front of Mephisto's personal library, and the devil lord had turned to look down at the two children as Romulus helped Adrianna up off of the floor.

"Romulus, With your recent progress in the mystic arts it is time that I chose a partner for you to study with. Vali is a good rival in the ways of combat but I believe that Ms. Lorelei will prove a more than equal companion in your magic training."

"So we get to study together?"

"Yes, the two of you will begin magic training together as well as general education."

He ushered the two into the room and sat them down at a table. Countless books began to pile up in front of them as Mephisto spoke of the various magics they would be learning together.

For Romulus the speech was somewhat tedious as he'd already heard it all before but when he turned to complain to his newest friend he saw her eyes filled with childish wonder. A large tome titled 'A guide to all known forms of Sacred Gears' landed in front of Adrianna and instantly, she pulled it against her chest.

'She looks really pretty.' Romulus almost didn't recognise the thought as his own but looking as his companion marvelled at the assembled knowledge being offered to her he couldn't help himself.

"Ms Lorelei." Mephisto addressed the girl.

"Yes Lord Mephisto." She answered.

"Welcome to the big leagues."

This took forever, I really didn't know how to progress this chapter without it seeming forced. I hope this was ok.