The morning sun crept over the horizon, casting golden light across the island. Mukul awoke to the soft sounds of waves, birds, and the rustling of the master's organising for the day. His little heart raced—today was the first day of training, and he could hardly imagine what awaited him.
Li Wei approached first, his calm demeanour like a steady anchor. "Mukul, we begin with balance and energy," he said, kneeling to Mukul's height. "Feel the flow in your body, even in your small hands and feet." The boy wobbled awkwardly through simple Tai Chi stances, but Li Wei's hands guided him gently, teaching him to channel his inner energy like the masters did with ease. Mukul felt a tingling warmth in his chest and back, where his seven-star birthmark pulsed faintly under the sun.
Next, Aria Nakamura appeared with two wooden swords. "Now, we learn precision and stealth," she said softly, demonstrating a series of silent, flowing movements. Mukul's small hands fumbled with the swords, but he laughed at his mistakes, his laughter carrying across the clearing. Aria's eyes twinkled; even failure was part of learning.
Rajveer Singh arrived, teaching Mukul the basics of strength and Kalarippayattu. With each controlled kick and strike, Mukul felt his bones and muscles respond, and though he was tired quickly, he grinned as he realised his body was already changing. "Strength comes from patience, little one," Rajveer said.
By midday, the island buzzed with energy. Amara Nkrumah led Mukul through parkour over rocks and trees, while Kwame Diallo made him spin and move like wind, harnessing bursts of energy with each leap. Mukul's laughter echoed through the trees as he stumbled and recovered, feeling unstoppable yet small in a world so big.
Isabella Rossi's ballet-sword lessons were next. Mukul's clumsy spins and jumps looked ridiculous at first, but she guided his movements with patience. "Art and combat are the same," she whispered. "Flow, Mukul, and you can turn any strike into beauty." Mukul's eyes sparkled, imagining himself dancing like a hero, sword gleaming in hand.
Viktor Volkov introduced him to cold endurance. Standing near a chilly stream, Mukul shivered, but Viktor's calm encouragement taught him to breathe through discomfort. "Even the cold obeys those who master themselves," he said, patting Mukul on the head.
Selene Dimitriou guided Mukul in observation, helping him understand patterns, anticipate moves, and sense energy. "The mind can see far beyond the eyes," she said. Mukul squinted at her, realising the world was more than what he could touch—it was what he could feel.
Aaliyah Carter's spear practice tested his reflexes. Mukul barely held the wooden spear straight, yet when it struck, even softly, a small thrill ran through him. "One day, you'll move like the sun strikes the desert," she told him.
Diego Ramirez made him spin with twin sticks, laughing as Mukul fell again and again. Lucas Bennett set up targets for archery practice, and Mukul's little arms trembled as he drew the bow, only to have the arrow hit the target. He jumped with joy.
Maya Thompson taught him focus through voice and calm—how to slow down and control his thoughts. Thiago Oliveira led him through jungle agility drills, weaving between trees with astonishing speed. Camila Vargas showed him herbs and how to use them to heal or energise his body. Sean O'Reilly explained runes and strategy, asking Mukul to place little stones on a grid while imagining attacks and defences.
The last five masters arrived in the afternoon, each adding their own flavour. Khadija Al-Farsi guided him in subtle movement and awareness—how to sense others without noticing them. Andrei Petrovic had him lift logs, feel raw energy in his arms, and understand the power of controlled strength. Yara Haddad's flames danced in the distance as she taught him fire's energy—warmth and intensity. Tane Mahuta showed Mukul to move like water, to flow, to listen to the rhythm of the world. Ava Sinclair challenged him with puzzles, patterns, and simple readings, teaching him to observe and think before acting.
By sunset, Mukul's tiny body ached, but his heart raced with exhilaration. He looked around at the twenty masters, exhausted yet alive. They smiled at him, proud and patient.
Mukul swallowed hard and whispered, "I… Can I learn all of this? Really?"
Li Wei knelt beside him. "Yes, Mukul. With time, patience, and courage, you can acquire vast knowledge
. And more."
For the first time since the attack, Mukul felt hope—not just survival, but growth. A spark of destiny had ignited in him, and with twenty masters guiding him, he would become far more than a lost child.
The sun dipped below the horizon, the sky painted with streaks of orange and violet, as Mukul sat quietly, imagining all he could become. His journey had truly begun.