The village was surrounded by four mountains, standing like its guardians on its every side. While most of the people lived near the central arena, about thirty percent of the population still resided on the smallest mountain where Vayu and his family had their home.
This mountain was called Kaaldhar, a name that carried the weight of history. It represented the time when their ancestors had first sought shelter here. In those early days, Kaaldhar was the heart of the settlement. Only decades later did the villagers begin shifting toward the central grounds, but the mountain still stood as a reminder of their origins.
The third largest mountain, lying close to the central arena, had taken on a new role in village life. Here stood the training academy, infirmary and most of the agricultural fields. The mountain itself radiated a comforting presence. Its soil was hard yet rich with nutrients and its slopes were alive with birds and countless small creatures. For this reason, it was named Nayansukh—a word born from combining two other words, nayan meaning "eyes" and sukh meaning "comfort" A mountain that soothed the eyes.
The second largest mountain was Somashila. Soma meant moon, and shila meant rock. From this mountain, the moon could be seen in all its phases, rising, drifting and it was visible from every ridge and slope. It was a place that made you feel calm and it was filled with beauty, and perhaps for that very reason, the annual competitions were held there, beneath the silver light of the moon.
The greatest and most dangerous mountain, however was Asurageha meaning the abode of monsters. Unlike the others, this mountain was wild and filled with every kind of creature, from prey to predators. The deeper one ventured, the deadlier the beasts became. Its back connected seamlessly into the endless forest. By the village law, no villager was ever allowed to enter into this mountain. Only the Hunter Squad members could come here to hunt, as this place had abundant number of beast it was a easy hunting ground for the hunter squad, but sometimes some predators wander to the outskirts and they had to fight them off.
The next day, Vayu woke up late in the afternoon, after bathing and eating his food he got ready to go out and made his way towards the training grounds to meet his instructor.
In their village, every instructor, elder, or any official had once been a member of the Hunter Squad. After they retired—or lost their place in battle—they were assigned duties by the elder council. The most common post was that of a training instructor, passing on their skills to the next generation.
"Vayu" the instructor called his name warmly, a smile crossing his face as he walked toward him. "How's your training coming along for this year's annual competition?"
"I'm not joining this year's competition, Instructor" Vayu replied.
"why not?" said the instructor's as his brows rose in surprise and he continued "Only two people in our village's history have ever won two years in a row. This is your chance to carve your name into history, don't let the chance pass"
"I will think about it and tell you" Vayu replied.
"And… have you decided which elder you'll learn from, now that you won the first position?"
Vayu shook his head. "I haven't thought about that, Instructor. I… actually came with a different question."
The man tilted his head curiously. "Oh? Go ahead then"
"You were in the Hunter Squad once, right?"
"Ha! That was five years ago," the instructor chuckled, but there was a hint of sadness buried beneath his laughter.
"Then… where did you used to hunt?" Vayu asked.
"On the biggest mountains, Why?"
Vayu hesitated, then asked the question that had been burning in his mind since last night. "Did you ever go inside the forest?"
The instructor's answer was immediate "No, never we never went inside the forest. You know how strict the village rules are"
For a moment, a flicker of unease crossed his face but he didn't show it and asked a question in return "Why are you asking me that?"
"Just… curious" Vayu replied with a faint smile. But inside, his doubts only grew stronger, he knew the instructor was lying because he had never seen him get flustered so easily, not even in his practice fights, he was not the one to lose his calm so easily.
After some more talk with the instructor, Vayu made his way back home, his mind full with question's. What else could the elders be hiding? he wondered.
He clenched his fists. He had to confirm it from his father, and perhaps even tell him about the beast. Even at the risk of punishment, it was better to be punished, than for someone in the village to lose their life, to that monster.
But as he walked further, another idea struck him, what if I joined the Hunter Squad myself?. If he joined them, he wouldn't need to find clues or anything. He could see the truth with his own eyes. He wanted join the Hunter Squad by defeating Shen because he too wanted to fight the strongest in the hunter squad just like Shen. But for that he had to train harder, so it was time for him to choose a elder.
But that path wasn't simple. Shen had trained under the Second Elder. If Vayu joined that division, he would not be allowed to fight with Shen. The Third Elder's division was even riskier, as he beat his grandson. After defeating Aspen in the finals, Vayu doubted he would ever be taught wholeheartedly by the third elder.
That left him with three choices: the First Elder, the Fourth Elder and the Fifth Elder. Vayu's jaw tightened, I need to choose carefully if I make a wrong choice, I may never uncover the truth…
The very next day, Vayu returned to his instructor again, with determination in his eyes.
"Instructor" he said, bowing slightly, "which elder should I choose?"
The instructor took some time to think before answering him "If you want better techniques, the Second Elder is the most natural choice, His techniques are refined and Shen already trains under him, you can learn a lot from him too".
Vayu shook his head firmly "That's exactly why I cannot go to him. With Shen there, I'd never be guided sincerely and as for the Third Elder… after what happened in the finals, he would never accept me or teach me wholeheartedly either."
The instructor stroked his beard, nodding slowly. "Hmm. Then that leaves the Fourth and Fifth Elders, Even though their knowledge is deep, but their experience as teachers… less so, they are not the best choices either".
"Then who remains?" Vayu pressed.
The instructor's lips curled into a faint smile. "The First Elder."
Vayu frowned. "The First Elder? But… I want to exceed in martial arts."
The instructor suddenly burst into laughter, the laughter left Vayu blinking in confusion. "Hahaha! That's exactly why you should go to her!"
Vayu tilted his head, his brow furrowing.
The instructor leaned in, his voice lowering. "Most people think she became First Elder because she was the wife of the village chief. But in reality the chief became village chief because she was his wife".
Vayu's eyes widened.
"She was a terrifying martial artist in her prime. She may have lost her edge with age, but her ability to teach is still superior then the rest, no one in this village can surpasses her"
For the first time, Vayu felt his pulse quicken with excitement. After finishing his conversation with the instructor, Vayu made his way toward the central arena, where the First Elder's office was located. His steps were steady, but his heart was beating faster than usual.
Knock. Knock.
The sound of his knuckles against the wooden door echoed lightly. A moment later, the First Elder lifted her head from her desk, her sharp eyes settling on him.
"Oh? What honor do I have that you've come to visit me?" she said mockingly, the corner of her lips curling.
"As you know, the winner of the annual competition may choose to learn from an elder, I came here to talk about that," Vayu replied, his tone polite.
"Oh, so you've thought about it." Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"Yes" Vayu answered without hesitation.
"Good, Then go to their office and talk with them, You have my permission," she said, waving her hand dismissively.
"But…" Vayu stepped forward, his gaze steady "…I am already in their office"
The First Elder blinked, confused for a brief moment. Then realization struck her, she was caught off guard for a second, but the very next moment her lips twisted into a cunning smile .
"I don't take students" she said smoothly.
But Vayu had already prepared for this. In a firm voice he said "First Elder, the rule says I can choose any elder, and it applies to all. You have to take me in."
The room grew quiet. She stared at him for a long while, and with a sigh she said "…Alright then, This will be fun"
"Fun?" Vayu repeated, his brows furrowing.
"Nothing, well go back for now and come to my office tomorrow morning." Her voice regaining its authority as she turned her gaze back to her work "Now go, I have things to do".
Dismissed, Vayu bowed his head slightly and left, his chest burning with excitement. Tomorrow, his training under the First Elder would begin.