Chapter 7The Half-Demon and the Shadowed Threat
Night in Helios AcademyThe moon hung high over Helios Academy, casting long silver shadows across the courtyards. Rougen Leo walked alone, his red-and-gold cloak whispering against the cobblestones, spiky hair messy but eyes sharp and alert.
He had stayed late, reviewing magical theory with Helten and Zach earlier. But instinctively, he moved with caution; years surviving in the forest had taught him danger lurked in the quietest corners.
A sudden rustle froze him in place.
Someone's here.
From the darkness emerged a figure—not tall, but lithe, moving with unnatural grace. A soft glint of crimson eyes pierced through the shadows.
"Rougen Leo," the figure said, voice smooth but carrying a chilling undertone. "I've been looking for you."
Rougen's eyes narrowed. Mana radiated from her, heavy and unfamiliar. Not human.
The Assassination AttemptBefore he could react further, she lunged.
Rougen ignited his hands with a controlled layer of fire. The courtyard erupted in sparks and shadows. The girl's movements were impossible to follow at first—blades bending shadow itself, strikes precise and deadly.
Rougen countered with layered fire constructs and agile dodges. Each movement was deliberate; every attack measured.
She's fast… stronger than most Upper Class students I've seen, Rougen thought. But he had survived worse. He had to win.
With a sudden burst of flame, Rougen disrupted her footing, creating space. His eyes, sharp and focused, glimmered with determination.
"Uncloak yourself!" he demanded.
Revealing JazeThe shadows around her flickered and fell away. Standing before him was a girl, barely older than Rougen—same age, twelve—but clearly different. Her skin was pale with faint red markings, eyes crimson, and long violet hair cascading around her shoulders. Pointed ears hinted at her demonic heritage.
"I'm Jaze," she said, bowing slightly with a wry smirk. "Not exactly what you expected, huh?"
Rougen studied her carefully. Half-demon, half-human. Exceptional mana, speed, and reflexes—no wonder the Demon Lord had sent her.
"Why were you trying to kill me?" Rougen asked, voice low but firm.
"The Demon Lord wants you dead," Jaze said, her eyes serious. "You're young… but your survival, your potential—it threatens him."
Rougen stiffened. "The Demon Lord?"
"Yes," Jaze replied. "I was sent to eliminate you. But… I'm not loyal to him anymore. I've seen enough orders I don't agree with."
A Fragile AllianceRougen's fire dimmed slightly as he processed her words. "So… you were my enemy. And now you're not?"
Jaze shrugged. "You can trust me… or try to attack me. Your choice."
Rougen paused. He had survived alone for years, trusted almost no one. Yet something in her honesty—her calm demeanor even after attempting to assassinate him—made him hesitate.
"I'll trust you… for now," he said finally.
Jaze's lips curved slightly. "Good. You'll need allies if the Demon Lord is targeting you. And I'll be the first."
Understanding the ThreatThey sat on the cold stone steps of the western tower. Jaze explained what she knew:
"The Demon Lord commands generals, spies, and assassins. You're young, but powerful. You're already dangerous to him just by existing," she said. "Your growth is an anomaly. That's why I was sent. But… I think you can survive."
Rougen's eyes, crimson and piercing, reflected the moonlight. Rage, grief, and determination coiled together inside him.
"I will survive," he whispered. "And when I do… I won't let him harm anyone I care about."
Jaze nodded, faintly impressed. "You've got fire and control. That's rare for your age."
A Bond Forged in ShadowsRougen stood, cape fluttering. "Then we start… now."
Jaze smiled faintly. "I'll teach you about demons, their magic, their tactics. You'll know your enemies before they strike."
"And in return?" Rougen asked.
"Trust me," she said simply.
He allowed a small nod. Not friendship—too soon—but cautious alliance, a bond forged in shadow and mutual survival.
For Rougen Leo, the forest had taught survival, Helios Academy had begun teaching knowledge and strategy, and now… shadows had given him a warning, an ally, and a purpose.
He would face the Demon Lord.
And he would not fail.