Chapter 5: The Journey to the West
For weeks they traveled, until finally arriving at the sprawling empire of the West. The towering buildings, bustling streets, and strange customs were a wonder to Rudra's eyes.
Richard brought him to his mansion, where his wife, Lady Victoria Wan, greeted them.
"Another orphan, Richard?" she teased, though concern laced her tone.
At dinner, Richard's younger brother, Alex, a soldier in the royal army, arrived to meet Rudra.
Alex frowned. "You expect me to train a boy from another empire? What if he's a threat?"
Richard countered, "Without this purpose, the boy is already dead inside."
"Then adopt him," Alex challenged. "If you want me to train him, make him your son."
Without hesitation, Rudra knelt before Richard, pressing his forehead to the floor. "I don't care about pride or dignity. I'll pay any price. Just help me get stronger."
Victoria's eyes filled with tears. "You're too young to carry this kind of burden…"
But Richard's decision was final. He stood, lifting Rudra by the shoulders.
"Then from this day forward, you are my son. And together, we will forge your future."
Alex cracked his knuckles, a grin breaking across his face.
"Well then… let's see what you're made of."
Next Day – District 8, Wolgun City
Capital of the Western Empire
---
[Scene: Outside a large, fortress-like building marked with the emblem of "Division 8" – the elite military arm of the Western Empire.]
RUDRA (V.O.):
"So this is the HQ of Division 8... where Commander Alex trains his soldiers."
[He walks through the grand entrance and approaches the front desk. A smartly dressed receptionist looks up.]
---
RUDRA:
"Excuse me. I'm here to see Commander Alex."
BONITA (Receptionist):
"Do you have an appointment?"
RUDRA:
"No, but... the Commander told me to come today."
BONITA:
"Alright, please wait. I'll inform him."
[She signals to a nearby soldier.]
---
BONITA:
"Rudius, please deliver a message to Commander Alex."
RUDIUS (salutes):
"Yes, ma'am."
[Cut to: Training chamber. Commander Alex is sparring with another soldier when Rudius enters.]
---
RUDIUS:
"Commander, may I have a moment?"
ALEX:
"What is it?"
RUDIUS:
"There's a boy named Rudra here to see you."
ALEX (smirks):
"Hah… so the brat finally showed up. Send him to the training arena."
---
[Cut to: Rudra walking into the training arena. Alex is waiting with arms crossed, already holding a wooden sword.]
ALEX:
"So you're the newbie, huh?"
RUDRA (forcing a smile):
"I guess so."
ALEX:
"If you came to train, let's see what you've got first. Take this."
[He tosses Rudra a wooden sword.]
ALEX (grinning):
"Let's have a little spar. Show me what you've learned."
---
RUDRA (hesitant):
"Are you sure? I've never done this before..."
ALEX:
"Stop thinking. Just come at me with everything you've got!"
[Rudra grips the sword tightly, takes a deep breath, and charges.]
ALEX (dodging easily):
"That's your max speed? I could dodge that in my sleep!"
---
[Rudra swings hard, but Alex knocks him to the ground easily.]
ALEX (coldly):
"Revenge isn't your strength, kid. Maybe you should find another way to live."
[Nearby soldiers whisper.]
SOLDIER 1:
"Commander's being harsh today..."
SOLDIER 2:
"He's usually not like this."
---
[Rudra's body trembles as he pushes himself up.]
RUDRA (growling):
"You think I can just forget everything?!"
[His eyes flash dark red. Something shifts in him. A wave of pressure fills the room. He rushes Alex again—faster. Stronger.]
[Alex's expression changes, serious now. He blocks the next strike with difficulty.]
---
ALEX (thinking):
"This speed… this power… this kid isn't normal anymore."
[Rudra attacks relentlessly. Sweat beads on Alex's forehead. Rudra roars—]
RUDRA:
"I will take my revenge!"
[With a final strike, Rudra shatters Alex's wooden sword in half.]
---
[Silence. Alex drops the broken weapon, looking at Rudra with a grin.]
ALEX:
"You've got talent, brat. Raw, wild... but real."
RUDRA (panting):
"So… will you train me?"
ALEX (nods):
"Welcome to Division 8. But this won't be easy."
RUDRA:
"I don't want it to be easy. I'm ready for anything."
Absolutely!