Nothing makes me smile like magic and real growth. Using Rome is the best idea I've had.

Don spoke in low tones, as Rowan watched the various matches. Matches that only Jason, within the Fifth Cohort, did well in. Well, Dakota and Gwen did good, but nowhere as good as the other Cohorts. "They are better trained, often having more people to help them, coming from long standing families so they get a lot of perks."

That made Rowan sighed. "I loathe nepotism, too many people get perks from it while other's suffer."

Don nodded. "Rome is all about nepotism. Demigods get perks over legacies, long family lines get perks over new families, friends of friends and so on get all the power here. It is just how it is. I hate it, a lot of us do, but that is the Roman way." Rowan tasted the rage in Don's voice, the hate that filled him.

'It really is no wonder he jumped into my arms so fast, he likely has no real power, family or friends here... isolation cannot be good for anyone, let alone a Faun...' Making Rowan feel all the worse for the kindly creature. "Sounds terrible, but at least I get some chance to grow here, that is more than I've ever had before."

And soon, Jason, son of Jupiter defeated basically all of his opponents, but was weak, bruised and weak looking. There were cheers, but they were weak and bored, like they resented Jason's victory, something he saw in their eyes. Almost as fast as lightning, Don stood. "I want you to see what I can do?:" And Don hurried over Jason, armed with a set of pan pipes, and started playing a beautiful rustic tune. Jason sighed, stunned as his wounds started to seal shut, his various bruises fading away into nothing, energy soothing the pain on his face.

Those that saw Don, only a handful of people, looked stunned, but Rowan was not one of them. He looked on in pride. "That was epic, Don, I must learn this!"

Don beamed, "If you can, if Humans can learn it, I'll happily show it to you."

And so, as the night wound down, Rowan hurried to his bunker, with Jason at his side. Before he went to bed, Jason said. "I cannot believe it, but you're right. Don really does deserve better, all the Fauns do. If any one of them were a tenth as useful... we would become safer than ever..."

Rowan frowned. "A person's value should never be determined by just use, some people just exist, and that's enough."

That made Jason cringe. "I think you're right, but we are also the legacy of an empire and so value is tied to use. It's why you were allowed to stay."

"Hmm... "

And so he slept, realizing in full that this place would never be home, but instead a training ground so that he could actually have a future... and that was all he could hope for.

"""

The day of a Roman soldier was no easy one. Aside from exhausting chores and extensive rules, there were also monster classes, learning to read and speak Latin, constant exercising in full armor, practicing with a blade and spear ( and bow, but Rowan had to force that, since he lacked the divine stamina even if it was considered Unroman). Rowan knew he would get in great shape fast, something he was looking forward too. Rowan was no bred warrior, so everything was a struggle, but it was a worthy challenge, so he tried hard. He had to use a regular steel blade for the time being, as he was not blessed so he could not wield divine metals.

All of that was before two in the afternoon!

True to his word, Jason led him to the Temple of Hecate, at the crossroads of the temples, where he saw and felt the cool darkness of magic oozing around him. His skin tingled with power, and he knew he was in the right place. The temple was pitch blade with runes etched into the sides, powerful runes that warped the air around him with their magical force. He knew that this would be his seat of power and knowledge.

"This is the temple of Hecate, where magic is studied by those with the gift and those that seek it. I have some work to do, to help our Centarian with, See you at Evening muster, don't be late." Jason walked back, looking distrustful of the entire building, before hurrying away.

"Welcome." Rowan turned, seeing a girl with dark skin and warm eyes. "Name's Lenore, I will be helping you learn the craft. Magic is a solitary act, and requires intense personal study. I would advise you remember that before you dedicate yourself to the craft."

Rowan nodded. "I understand... now... where do we begin?"

"By learning the paths of magic, it's potential and the rules. Understanding your limitations will always be a good thing, now come with me and find your path here in this House of Magic."

Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.

This was a joy to write.

Love, your Ninja Overlord,

Mika.