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## Chapter 5
**Helios Academy: Lessons Beyond the Forest**
### The Journey to Civilization
Rougen Leo's first view of the city made him pause.
The forest had always been his home, silent and unpredictable, but the city was alive in a different way. Mana swirled visibly above the streets, faint but constant, and the towers of Helios Academy shimmered in sunlight, tall, elegant, and imposing. Magic wasn't just present here—it ruled everything.
Horus Aquor rode beside him on horseback, calm as ever. "This is the next step, Rougen," he said, his eyes following the boy's gaze. "Survival is one thing. Knowledge is another. You can't be the strongest if you don't understand the world you live in."
Rougen nodded, his spiky hair whipping in the wind, his red-and-gold cloak flapping behind him. He had learned survival in the forest, and magic under Horus' guidance—but schools like Helios Academy existed to teach more than power. They existed to teach control, history, society, and strategy.
"I understand," Rougen said quietly. His voice carried the quiet weight of a boy who had survived death and loss. "I'll learn."
Horus smiled faintly. "That's all I ask. Just… don't get distracted."
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### Arrival at Helios Academy
The gates of Helios Academy were grand—arches carved with glowing runes, statues of legendary magi lining the entrance, and guards that observed all newcomers carefully. Rougen felt a flicker of nerves, but he kept his head low, cloak drawn around him, exuding the quiet, cautious energy he had honed in the forest.
Inside, the academy buzzed with students of every type—some laughing, some practicing magic in hallways, others arguing about theory. Mana drifted visibly around many of them, highlighting their class: faint for normal students, intense for middle and upper classes, nearly blinding for generals.
Horus leaned close. "Pay attention, Rougen. Most of these students have lived comfortable lives. You're not like them. You've earned every skill you have."
Rougen's eyes narrowed. He didn't need comfort. He only needed results.
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### The First Lessons
Rougen's first day consisted of **commonplace and history classes**. The professors spoke of nations, of magical discoveries, and of the social structure that governed the world.
Rougen listened intently. He absorbed the hierarchy Horus had explained: Poor, Normal, Middle, Upper, General, and Royal. Now, he learned how that hierarchy had evolved through centuries—wars fought, kingdoms rising and falling, revolutions, and the way magic had shaped civilizations.
He found it fascinating. Every story, every lesson, gave context to what he had learned in the forest. The world wasn't just dangerous—it was structured. Power had rules, and understanding those rules could give him leverage.
At lunch, he observed silently. Other students chattered about their homes, their tutors, and their families' status. Rougen didn't speak much. He ate carefully, savoring his food and noticing details—who held mana tightly, who relaxed it carelessly, who might pose a threat.
Horus' lessons had taught him not just magic, but observation. Now, the academy became his new forest—a place to read and adapt.
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### Meeting Zach Yamamoto
Rougen's first real interaction came when a boy with messy black hair and sharp green eyes approached him during a practical class.
"You're the new guy, right?" the boy asked, a grin tugging at his lips. "I'm Zach Yamamoto. Don't tell me you're one of those quiet types who just watches everyone else?"
Rougen didn't answer immediately. He tilted his head, studying Zach. Mana flowed lightly around him—Normal Class, maybe Middle—but there was a spark of intelligence there. He decided Zach was not a threat.
"I'm Rougen," he said finally, voice low but clear.
Zach's grin widened. "Good name. You're quiet, huh? I like that. I can teach you how to survive here… socially, at least."
Rougen gave nothing more than a small nod. Social survival was less important than actual survival—but he appreciated the gesture.
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### Meeting Helten Javier
The second friend came during a duel practice. Helten Javier, a tall boy with sandy-blonde hair and an almost regal posture, blocked Rougen's strike effortlessly.
"You have potential," Helten said, eyes sharp. "But technique is sloppy. You're relying too much on raw power."
Rougen blinked. "And you?"
Helten smirked. "I rely on skill. Watch carefully."
They sparred for the rest of the session. Rougen adapted quickly, testing his instincts against Helten's precision. By the end, they stood panting, side by side.
"You're not bad," Helten admitted. "Keep this up, and you'll go far."
Rougen nodded silently. He didn't smile—but internally, he registered respect.
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### Adapting to Academy Life
Over the next weeks, Rougen balanced his training with academics.
* **Commonplace studies:** He learned the laws of the land, trade routes, etiquette, and societal structures.
* **History:** From the rise of magical dynasties to the fall of kingdoms, Rougen's mind cataloged lessons for strategy and survival.
* **Magic theory:** Professors taught him complex spells, mana circulation, and practical combat applications.
He still trained with Horus daily, often sneaking out before or after classes to practice fire spells in the courtyard or nearby woods. His classmates noticed his quiet intensity. Many underestimated him, unaware of his true skill.
Zach and Helten became his first bonds. Zach pushed him to interact socially—sometimes annoyingly, sometimes helpfully. Helten challenged him intellectually and in duels, forcing Rougen to improve his technique and strategy.
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### The First Glimpse of a Future
One evening, Rougen sat on the roof of his dormitory, staring at the horizon. The academy's spires glimmered in the sunset, and he thought of Horus, of the forest, and of his parents' grave.
"I will climb," he whispered, voice rough but determined. "Not just to survive… but to become strong enough to shape the world."
He clenched his fists. Fire flickered faintly around his fingertips—a small, controlled flame.
"You've come far, Rougen," a voice said. He turned to see Horus stepping up beside him. "Academy life is just the beginning. Knowledge, power, alliances… these will decide your survival more than brute strength ever could."
Rougen's eyes glinted purple-red in the dying light. "I understand," he said. "And I will not fail."
Horus placed a hand on his shoulder. "Good. Now rest. Tomorrow, we begin a new lesson. The forest prepared you for survival… the academy will prepare you for dominance."
Rougen didn't smile—but a flicker of resolve shone in his eyes. For the first time since his parents' death, he could see a path forward. A path beyond grief, beyond fear, beyond the forest.
And for the first time, Rougen Leo realized that he had something he hadn't had before: a future worth fighting for.
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BONUS: Rougens first word was actually "Rabudesaiurywos" instead of "wahhh".
He was supposed to say "Huh? Who are these people??"