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## Chapter 4
**Ranks, Power, and the Road Ahead**
### Morning in the Forest
The morning mist hovered between the trees, clinging to the mossy trunks and dripping silently onto the forest floor. Rougen Leo sat cross-legged beside the small fire he had built overnight, his spiky hair tangled and wild, cloak smeared with dirt but still vibrant with red and gold threads that shimmered faintly in the early light.
Horus Aquor crouched across from him, sharpening a small dagger. The rhythmic scraping filled the silence until Horus finally spoke.
"Rougen, it's time you understood something important," he said, eyes serious. "The world isn't kind, and magic… magic determines everything."
Rougen tilted his head, purple-red eyes glowing faintly in the light. "Magic… determines… everything?" he repeated, skeptical.
Horus nodded. "Your parents prepared you to survive, yes. But survival is only part of the picture. Power—the kind measured by the world—will determine your life, who respects you, and who tries to crush you."
Rougen's gaze hardened. "And if I'm weak?"
Horus' lips curved into a faint smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Weak people… survive only by hiding. And hiding… will get you killed sooner or later."
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### The Hierarchy of Magic
Horus gestured at the clearing around them. "Let me explain the ranks. Everyone in this world falls into one of these categories. The ranking is almost entirely based on magic strength, control, and influence. From the bottom to the top:"
He began pacing slowly, hands moving as if drawing the invisible ladder in the air.
"First, the **Poor Class**. These people are barely magical. Sometimes they are completely without mana, or so weak that others ignore them. They live harsh lives, often scavenging or doing menial tasks. Most die without ever changing their station. That's why magic matters."
Rougen frowned. "So being born strong matters more than anything else?"
"Partially," Horus replied. "Strength gives you opportunity. Discipline, intelligence, and strategy—those are how you climb. But first… you need the base."
He continued. "Above Poor Class is **Normal Class**. These people have basic magic. They can manage small spells, craft basic enchanted tools, or defend themselves against wild beasts. Still, they are limited. They might live comfortable lives if lucky, but they are prey for those stronger than them."
Rougen's fists clenched. "And above that?"
"**Middle Class.** Skilled, competent. They can fight, trade, or command small groups. They might lead villages or run businesses, sometimes even act as minor mercenaries or protectors. But they're rarely influential outside their small sphere."
Rougen nodded slowly, absorbing the words.
"Above that… **Upper Class.** People here are dangerous. Leaders, strategists, magic users who can manipulate mana for combat or governance. They can decide the fate of towns, control resources, or wield power that can crush weaker communities."
Rougen shivered. Not with fear, but with anticipation. He wanted to reach that level—not for status—but for the strength to never be powerless again.
"Next is **General Class.** These are legendary warriors, tactical geniuses, masters of magic. People like them are feared and respected in equal measure. They often control armies or command powerful guilds. And above them… there is only one level higher."
Rougen's eyes narrowed. "Royal class?"
Horus' gaze hardened. "Yes. Royal Class. Magic at its peak, influence that rivals kingdoms, and power that can rewrite reality within their reach. Few reach this level. Many die trying. But… if you survive and climb, you can carve a life that no one can threaten."
Rougen looked down at his hands. He could feel his own fire magic simmering faintly beneath the surface.
*I will reach that level,* he thought silently.
*I have to.*
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### The Path to Power
Horus stood and extended his hand. "Rougen, you've already survived when most would have died. You hunt. You cook. You survive alone. That's the start—but it's not enough. The world isn't kind to lone wolves. You need technique, control, and strategy."
Rougen's jaw tightened. "What do I need to do?"
"Everything." Horus said simply. "Training, study, observation, and discipline. You already have instinct. Now you need refinement. I'll help you, but you must push yourself further than ever before. No hiding. No excuses. And no hesitation."
Rougen's eyes, sharp and crimson-tinged, flickered in the morning light. He nodded, silent. Words were not necessary.
Horus smiled faintly. "Good. Let's begin."
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### Training: Body, Mind, and Mana
For the next months, the forest became a crucible. Horus trained Rougen not just to survive, but to thrive.
**Body:**
Rougen ran for miles each day, balancing endurance with speed. He practiced climbing trees, dodging traps, jumping across streams, and learning silent movement. Every muscle in his body learned to respond instinctively.
**Mind:**
Horus challenged Rougen with puzzles, tracking exercises, and tactical simulations. He taught him to read people's intent through subtle signs—posture, mana fluctuations, hesitation. Rougen became cautious, perceptive, quiet. He rarely spoke unless necessary. Every word was measured.
**Mana:**
This was the hardest. Rougen had already trained fire magic instinctively, but Horus taught him control, efficiency, and strategy. He learned to conserve mana for multiple attacks, to layer spells subtly, and to create traps with energy rather than wood or steel.
"Power without control is useless," Horus said one evening as Rougen's hands glowed with blue flames, forming a lattice of fire spikes across the forest clearing. "The world punishes recklessness. Never forget that."
Rougen gritted his teeth. "I won't."
Horus nodded. "Good. One day, the world will recognize you not as a lonely forest boy, but as someone dangerous—someone worthy of respect."
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### Learning Through Living
As Rougen trained, he also continued to cook, forage, and trade with Horus in nearby villages. He experimented with forest ingredients and herbs Horus brought, creating small meals that sustained both of them.
"You've improved," Horus commented one day. "I've tasted better in cities, but for what we have… this is perfection. You've got skill beyond your age."
Rougen, focused on simmering a stew of rabbit, mushrooms, and root vegetables, muttered, "It's just survival."
Horus laughed softly. "No. It's more than survival. It's mastery. You're learning to bend the world to your will—one small step at a time."
Rougen paused, considering Horus' words. His parents had taught him survival in their own ways, but now… he could see a larger path. A path beyond mere survival.
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### The Ember of Hope
Weeks passed. Rougen's confidence in himself grew. He began to see a spark of light within the darkness he had carried since losing his parents. Though he remained quiet, stoic, and cautious, Horus' mentorship allowed him to feel the faintest warmth—trust, companionship, and guidance.
One night, under the pale glow of a crescent moon, Rougen stood by the campfire, polishing his dagger.
"I think… I understand now," he said softly, almost to himself. "Magic isn't just power… it's control, influence… survival… life itself."
Horus placed a hand on his shoulder. "Exactly. And you've got potential, Rougen. Enough to climb. Enough to survive. And maybe… enough to become more than anyone expects."
Rougen's eyes, glowing purple-red in the firelight, reflected determination mixed with the shadow of grief.
"I'll become strong," he whispered. "Not for them… but for me. And for anyone who might need me someday."
Horus nodded. "Good. Then the world better be ready for you."
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Rougen had learned the structure of society, the brutal truth of the world's magical hierarchy, and the necessity of relentless training. Under Horus' guidance, he began to adapt—not just as a survivor, but as someone who could rise through the ranks. The ember of hope glimmered faintly in the boy who had once screamed in despair beneath the burning sky of his childhood home.
The path ahead was long. Dangerous. Unforgiving.
But Rougen Leo was no longer alone.
And he would not be weak.
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