The Warlord's Second Life As A Commoner : 009

Lucian began to understand the rhythm of life at Arcadia Academy. The daily routine of theory classes, physical training, and tactical discussions kept his days full. But underneath it all, he knew that the world of the Academy was more complicated than it seemed. Nobles and commoners, rich and poor, all interacted here, creating an intricate social network.

One sunny morning, Lucian walked to the training room. His mind drifted to the incident with Darius a few days ago. Although he had managed to handle the situation, he realized that a similar conflict could arise at any time. He needed an ally, someone he could rely on when the going got tough.

In the training room, Lucian noticed a boy practicing his sword. His body was thin, his brown hair matted, and his expression serious. However, his sword movements showed great skill.

Lucian approached him after the training was over. "Your moves are good," he said with a small smile.

The boy turned his head, a little surprised. "Thank you. I just tried my best. My name is Finn."

"Lucian," he replied briefly. "I see you're quite skilled. Have you practiced before?"

Finn nodded hesitantly. "My father was a soldier. He taught me before... before he died."

Lucian saw the sadness in Finn's eyes and decided not to press further. Instead, he said, "Your training is good, but you open your right side too often. That could be an opening for your opponent."

Finn looked at him in awe. "Really? I hadn't noticed that. Maybe you can give me another tip?"

"Sure," Lucian replied. Within a short time, they began practicing together, sharing techniques and pushing each other to get better. Their friendship grew quickly, based on mutual respect and a desire to learn.

One afternoon, Lucian was reading in the library when an old man in a long robe approached him. The man had bushy white hair and piercing eyes filled with knowledge.

"You're Lucian Rayne, aren't you?" he asked in a deep voice.

Lucian closed his book and looked up at the man. "I am, sir. Who are you?"

"My name is Aldric," the man replied. "I am one of the teachers here, teaching the history and strategy of war. I heard about your incident with Darius. The way you handled the situation was quite interesting."

Lucian felt cautious. "What do you mean?"

Aldric smiled slightly. "Don't worry, I'm not here to judge you. On the contrary, I want to offer you my help. I see great potential in you, Lucian. Rare potential."

"Potential?" Lucian raised an eyebrow.

"You possess intelligence, courage, and tactical sensitivity unusual for someone your age. I would like to mentor you, if you are willing."

Lucian paused, trying to gauge Aldric's intentions. The man seemed sincere, but Lucian knew that every offer had a price. "Why do you want to help me?"

Aldric looked at him deeply. "Because I believe this world needs a true leader. I see something in you that reminds me of a great warrior of the past."

These words left Lucian speechless. Did Aldric know about his past? Or was it just a coincidence? Nevertheless, he decided to accept the offer. "Very well, Lord Aldric. I will learn from you."

Aldric smiled with satisfaction. "Good. We'll start tomorrow. But remember, it's not just about learning strategy. It's about understanding yourself."

With Aldric's guidance, Lucian began to see the world of the Academy from a different perspective. He learned about politics inside and outside the academy, how to build relationships, and how to use information to his advantage.

At the same time, he continued to strengthen his friendship with Finn. They often train together, sharing stories and supporting each other. Finn, though shy, had keen insight and hidden courage.

One day, as they rested under a large tree, Finn said, "Lucian, I know I'm nothing compared to you. But if you ever need help, I'll be there."

Lucian smiled. "We all have our roles, Finn. You're stronger than you think."

Aside from Finn, Lucian began to interact with other students. He befriended Elise, a noble girl with a talent for magic, and Tomas, a tall young man with extraordinary physical strength. Together they formed a solid little group.

One day, Aldric set them a challenge: a battlefield simulation. The students were divided into two teams and asked to face each other. Lucian was chosen as the team leader.

With his knowledge and experience, Lucian strategized wisely. He used the strengths of each of his team members and made sure that everyone had a clear role. Finn was the scout, Elise used her magic to create barriers, and Tomas led the main assault.

When the simulation began, Lucian's team faced fierce resistance. However, with good leadership and coordination, they managed to defeat their opponents. Aldric, watching from a distance, smiled with satisfaction.

"Well done, Lucian," he said after the simulation ended. "But remember, victory isn't just about strategy. It's also about trust and cooperation. You have shown that you are capable of leading."

Lucian nodded. "Thank you, Mr. Aldric. I still have much to learn."

In the days that followed, Lucian's relationship with his friends grew stronger. Finn, Elise and Tomas began to see him as a natural leader, someone they could rely on. Aldric, on the other hand, continued to guide him and give him insight into the larger world.

But Lucian knows that this journey has only just begun. Arcadia Academy is not only a place of learning, but also a place where alliances and conflicts are formed. He must remain vigilant and prepare himself for greater challenges.

Under the starry night sky, Lucian stood on the balcony of his dormitory and gazed into the distance. In his heart, he vowed to be stronger, not only for himself, but for the people he was beginning to consider family.

"This is just the beginning," he thought. "The world is full of possibilities, and I'm going to make sure I'm ready to face them all."