It has been two weeks now since Shun became the students to the Eight Guardians of Gold Peak. In these two weeks, he learned a lot from them as well as about them. Two years ago, the Eight Guardians of Gold Peak were known by a name that Shun was familiar with, a name that they once despised before appropriating it for themselves in a show of acceptance and rebellion—Eight Misfits of Gold Peak. All eight masters were no strangers to ostracization from society; in fact, they accepted their position and even took joy in being separate from the bunch. Shun had never once heard them discuss these matters in somber tones, but with levity and delight.
In general, all eight masters weren't that guarded about their past or their image. Whenever Shun would ask them about themselves, they gladly told their tales. And it is from their stories that Shun was able to feel more connected to them through understanding.
Ren Shianu, known to others as the Castaway Monk, used to be a disciple of the Tenzen School of Usiddhi. He was a respected monk who was known for his wisdom and his kindness, attributes which he still retained despite his current status as an exiled monk. When Shun had asked him the reason behind his excommunication, he told the tale with a nostalgic look in his eyes and a wistful voice. It was his consequence after failing to protect one of his apprentices from death. At that time, a group of heretics had broken in and were wrecking havoc in the temple. Shianu, as was expected of him as a senior monk, protected his students from harm by fighting off the heretics with only enough force to force them to leave. However, he had failed to see that one of the heretics had taken one of his students hostage. Shianu hesitated, and the result of this hesitation resulted in his student's death at the hand of a heretic. Because of his failure and "inability to surpass the clouds and clear the smoke", he was exiled from the temple. As a symbol of his exile, he wears the robes of a disgraced monk. After his exile, he came to Gold Peak Valley and met Li Shien.
Dento Chikriyattu, the Barren Noble, actually came from a distinguished family. His father was a prominent official from the Southern Region of Chirokai. He had always used money to help those unfortunate than himself and was generous to both kids and the elderly. Upon learning of this, Shun questioned why the noble now wears clothes of the lower class. Chikriyattu revealed that he is actually disowned by his own family. His father, who was a native of Chirokai, had married a woman from the Southern Nation. Chikriyattu was born from that union and became despised by his paternal grandparents for being a half-blood. It was from this treatment that he grew to dislike the elite class and the concept of judging others based on superficial qualities. When his father died, to his grandparents dismay, he had inherited the entire fortune. Despite how he looks, Chikriyattu is actually a very smart and shrewd businessman and used the money to start many businesses. The subsequent money from these ventures are then split between philanthropy and personal income. Upon becoming a member of the Eight Guardians, he also uses the money to fund the group.
Det Vanu, praised by all as the Wandering Minstrel, had also come from a distinguished family. However, contrary to his appearance, he came from a military family. In fact, his father had wanted him to become a soldier, too. But as he had told Shun, he had neither the desire nor the ability to become one. Disheartened by this decision, his father disowned him. However, what he lacked in military knowledge and physical qualities, he made up for them in his love for music and his prodigious ability as a musician. Because of his abilities, he became a widely respected figure among all classes of society. Out of everyone in the group, Shun had observed that Vanu suffered the least amount of ostracization by society. If anything, he was always constantly surrounded by admiring scholars, nobles, and girls. Shun had also fallen in love with the minstrel's songs and musical prowess. However, Vanu still suffered some humiliation and hatred, particularly from soldiers and police guards, due to his familial background. He had joined the group simply out of fun and camaraderie.
Jingu Airan, notoriously known as the Living Anomaly, truly lives up to their name. They are neither solely male nor solely female, a truly mysterious human being. Out of the Eight Guardians, their history is the most ambiguous to discern. When Shun had asked them about their past, they simply told him that they were disowned by their family for their lifestyle. Other than that, nothing else is known about them. However, despite their aloofness towards the past, they are a kind and generous person who treats Shun like their own child. Another characteristic of theirs that Shun soon learned about was their addiction to pleasures of the flesh. They accepted both male and female companions and would often spend their free time engaging in lascivious behavior. But it is because of these relationships that they have acquired a big network of confidants and informants. Though they may be despised for their nonconforming behavior during the day, they are still a powerful force to be reckon with during the night.
Warana Ein, bearer of the title Calamity God, was the most mysterious and reserved of them all. He rarely spoke with words but with his eyes. Even though he carried virtually no expression on his face, his eyes say it all. But when he does speak, everyone pays attention. His voice was soft like snow but sharper than ice, yet it carried an indomitable tone that immediately required silence and attention. He was the hardest one for Shun to get to know. For one, Ein disliked being near people and would often stand a good distance away. This made it impossible for Shun to approach him. Ein also didn't speak to Shun at all in the beginning, but when that day came, it surprised everyone. Shun had tried to ask the other members about Ein's history, but their responses were often short and cold; it was clear that they'd rather not talk about it. But one thing was clear: Warana Ein may be the most powerful member of the Eight Guardians. Shun could only reach this conclusion after witnessing in secret the Guardian's training. The power he wielded was truly on par with a god's.
Lusho Meina, named the Poison Rose, was the only female of the group and the youngest. She was elegant in how she carried herself and graceful with her movements. No men could take their eyes off of her whenever she walk the streets. Shun had also never met a woman as beautiful as her before; she was a fairy among the people. Her behavior was also refined, perhaps the most out of the eight, and she was kind to others with her actions and words. However, she is also quick to change attitudes when faced with those who draw her ire; namely: lechers, boors, egomaniacs, and liars. Whenever she changes her face, she becomes a demoness with a thirst for vengeance. Shun knew that she must be the most dangerous of the eight and hopes to never get on her bad side. When asked about her past, she told Shun that she used to belong to the Phoenix-Fair Sect, an all-female Chidao sect. Apparently, she was let go after she committed a grievous sin: consorting with a man. She had since traveled the land and eventually joined the Eight Guardians following a successful partnership on a quest. Out of all of the eight, Lusho Meina is perhaps the most normal of the group. She treats Shun as a brother rather than a student, considering that she's only eight years his senior, and looks out for him like a real family member.
Oa Yanyun, feared as the Lightning Thief, was the most recent member to join the group. Though it has been more than six years now ever since his debut, his relationship with the group is still young. He is also the least trusted member of the group. However, this does not stem from the length of his membership with the team, but from his past. From what Shun had learned from the others and from Yanyun himself, he used to be a member of the Black Dragon Zen-Kairin. And he was a very high ranking member, too. As if being a previous high-ranking member of a private organization that specializes in espionage and covert operations not enough to estrange himself from the others when it comes to trust, there is more to his story. The story goes that he was excommunicated from the group after failing a mission that resulted in the deaths of twenty people. Actually, due to the severity of the level of his mission, he should've been killed. But he had escaped and consequently came to Gold Peak Valley, where he eventually met the other masters. Yanyun is a very laidback fellow who enjoys nothing more than to relax under the sun. If he isn't relaxing, he would entertain himself by playing practical jokes on his fellow members. Although he wasn't trusted with secrets and information, a fact that he himself is also aware of but doesn't really care about, Yanyun is a very capable hero whose lightning speed makes him the go-to rescuer on missions. He also treats Shun like a friend than a student, though in other cases as more of a lackey than a friend, and would refer to him affectionately as "Shun-chi".
Lastly, the leader of the group is Li Shien, the Mad Scholar. The madman is usually found doing one of three things at any given moment: wandering off, drinking, and getting into fights. There is never a moment without him having a bottle of wine or other kind of alcoholic drink in his hand. Yet, despite the amount he drinks at any given time, he appears to still be sober. Even when he slurs his speech, his mind is still unfazed and clear. However, when it comes time to work, the madman becomes a real shining leader. Every one of the eight masters listens to his every word and follows his every command. His strategies were perfect and well-thought out, his observations were on point and all-encompassing, and his reasoning and knowledge were all top-level and inexhaustive. Out of all the Eight Guardians, Shun had learned the most from Li Shien. He may have the worst attitude and the greatest addiction, but his wisdom was invaluable.
Each of the Eight Guardians also specializes in each of the Eight Elements: Ren Shianu specializes in Water, Dento Chikriyattu specializes in Earth, Det Vanu specializes in Metal, Jingu Airan specializes in Air, Warana Ein specializes in Ice, Lusho Meina specializes in Nature, Oa Yanyun specializes in Lightning, and Li Shien specializes in Fire. When Li Shien asked Shun of his understanding of the Eight Elements, he discovered that the boy possessed only general knowledge and basic theory. The fact that Shun, whose martial skills has since been revealed to the masters so they can assess his skills, did not understand the nuances of the Eight Elements at all despite his obviously great martial prowess and prodigious talent irked Li Shien to no end.
"What have you been learning all this time?!" asked Li Shien in exasperation one day. "I still cannot believe that you have been robbed of knowledge that could very well progress you forward in your martial journey! Is your teacher a nit?!"
"I did learn about the Eight Elements, but I never went further than learning how to manipulate them through Heavy Cultivation," admitted Shun.
"At least you understand the concept of the three types of cultivation," said Shien.
"Light Cultivation is for channeling Chi to enhance your physical and mental abilities. Heavy Cultivation is for channeling Chi to manipulate the elements. Metaphysical Cultivation is for channeling Chi to produce magic," recounted Shun.
"Do you understand the difference between Light and Heavy Cultivation?" asked Shien.
"Light Cultivation channels the Chi first into a chaka gate, which will then allow you to send the Chi to the physical or mental domains within your body for enhancement. Each chaka gate is connecting to different parts of the body, therefore you must channel the Chi into the correct gate so that it can transfer to the correct body part," answered Shun. "Heavy Cultivation channels Chi into a chaka gate just like Light Cultivation, but the Chi must remain in the gate in order for it to build up in potency. Once it is potent enough, it allows for one to draw out one of the Eight Elements and manipulate them. This is also dependent on which chaka gate the Chi is channeled into. The strength of both forms of cultivation is dependent on the amount of Chi that is being utilized. However, Heavy Cultivation requires more focus and control than Light Cultivation."
"That's the basic theory, yes," agreed Shien.
"My teacher didn't really focus our education on Heavy Cultivation," said Shun. "We've ever only used Light Cultivation."
"Pure cow shit!" spat Shien.
"Now, now, Big Brother, you cannot fault him for his education," Det Vanu came to Shun's rescue.
"It is not him that I am faulting, it is the education itself!" declared Shien.
"Then why don't we teach him ourselves? He is now our student after all," offered Vanu.
"An excellent idea!" agreed Chikriyattu.
Shien let out a small groan. "Shun," he said, "perform that one routine again. The 'Dragon Rising Out of Bed'."
"It's 'Dragon Rising Over Sea'," corrected Shianu.
"He understands me," growled Shien.
Shun did as he was told and performed the routine for his masters to see. As he was preparing to gather his Chi, Shien quickly stopped him. Shun was confused by his master's request, but obeyed his command.
"Your teacher was a member of the Chenzen School, wasn't he?" asked Shien with a frown.
"Chenzen?" questioned Shun in honest confusion.
"They are one of the six orthodox schools in all of Chirokai," explained Vanu. He then recounted for Shun all six schools: "Chenzen, Tenzen, Damarada, Zen-Kairin, Vagabond Faction, and Phoenix-Fairy Sect."
"I didn't know anything about that," Shun honestly told them. "My teacher never once spoke about his background. But he did tell me that he used to be a priest."
"That's the clue," growled Shien. "The Chenzen School is the current official school of Taido'chi, one of Chirokai's Three Schools."
Like all inhabitants of Chirokai, Shun was more than familiar with the Three Schools, the official religious and philosophical institutions of the empire and most of Adata. Taido'chi in particular is a school that promotes the concept of cultivation for the benefit of one's wellbeing and possible salvation.
"Let me guess, he told you to divide your body into three layers and imagine each layer as a pot. Drawing Chi in will be the same as filling those pots. Once you fill a pot, you transfer the Chi right to the correct chaka gate to manipulate it. Isn't that right?" said Shien. Shun nodded his head. "How simple! How preposterous!" the madman cursed. "What is so efficient and intelligent about the concept of imagining your body as some empty vessel that is only available to bring in energy for the sole purpose of pleasuring your egos? Simplicity may be good but this method is pure self-serving stupidity!" He then turned to Shianu. "Teach him your cultivation method," he ordered his brother.
Shianu sighed. "As you wish," he simply replied.
For the rest of the day, Shun spent his time under Shianu's tutelage. The Chenzen method of cultivation was unlike anything Shun had ever encountered before. First of all, it is heavily filled with spiritual jargon that Shun had never been exposed to before, much less get the gist of.
"Shun, are you familiar with the basic teachings of Usiddi?" asked Shianu once he realized that he wasn't making any sense to his student. "The founder of Usiddi, Divine Sage Omaradi Bovatai, was born in the ancient kingdom of Uranda, which is now part of the Western Region of Chirokai. The kingdom of Uranda was decimated in a war against the rival kingdom of Favushi. The Divine Sage, then an infant, was spared death and instead adopted by the king of Favushi. The Divine Sage lived a rather decadent life and was never told of his heritage. However, after discovering the truth, he became disillusioned with his current lifestyle. After renouncing himself, he took refuge in the teachings of various teachers, but their teachings never did much to satisfy his questions. It wasn't until he gained Taiyou (enlightenment; translated literally as "Wisdom Merit") that he became the Divine Sage. He gleaned into the nature of the universe, immersed himself in the world of gods, and understood the hidden wisdom that was weaved within the fabric of our reality.
"The Divine Sage knew the secret of Chi. He learned that there exists three forms of Chi. These forms are of the same essence and differ only in their apparent observation by the people due to the limitations of our senses. There is the Universal Chi, which is the form of Chi that gave shape to our universe and our reality. Then, there is the Law Chi, which is the form of Chi that guides and regulates our universe and reality. Lastly, there is the Life Chi, which is the form of Chi that imbues us with our nature and animates the universe and our reality. These forms are of the same essence and interact with each other to balance the universe."
Shun was more or less familiar enough with the basic tenets but never got any deeper than the basic meanings behind them. However, after learning more about them from his teacher, he finally made some connections to the what his teacher was saying when teaching the Chenzen cultivation method. "I understand now, Ren-senzo," said Shun.
"Good," said Shianu with a smile. "Now, let us try it again."
After finally succeeding in learning the Chenzen method for cultivation, Shien and the other heroes praised the boy's quick intellect and martial talent. "Now, I believe we can start teaching you our skills," said the madman with a smile.
The skills of the Eight Guardians were nothing like Shun had ever seen before. Most of them relied on Heavy Cultivation and the manipulation of elements. Shun had never learned any skills or techniques that relied on Heavy Cultivation before, so this was a first.
"There is no difference between techniques that rely on Light Cultivation and those that rely on Heavy Cultivation," explained Shien. "They are all founded on the same principles! Light Cultivation uses the same chaka gates as those used in Heavy Cultivation. Therefore, if one were to use Heavy Cultivation to execute techniques that rely on Light Cultivation, the only difference would be the projection and manipulation of the elements that follow the same motions as the technique when used normally. Likewise, if Light Cultivation is used to execute techniques that normally require Heavy Cultivation, the same movements are applied, with the only difference being the result. Because Light Cultivation can not bring out the elements from within you, those techniques become diluted and are no different than regular physical techniques."
"So, if I were to use Heavy Cultivation when using Little Dragon Fist, I could potentially unleash the elemental powers that are associated with the martial style," concluded Shun.
"Exactly!" agreed Shien. "Each style of Chidao is based upon one or more of the Eight Elements. The only reason why we separate them into those that require Light Cultivation and those require Heavy Cultivation is simply due to their nature and intended effect. You can tell what style is based on which element solely on the chaka gates used to execute it."
Now armed with his teacher's teaching, Shun did his best to learn his teachers' skills to the best of his abilities. In the span of six weeks, he managed to accomplish learning their skills to varying degrees. His teachers celebrated his accomplishment with a celebration at one of the city's most finest establishments.
The establishment was frequented by members of the elite class and served only the best of the best of cuisines. As such, the presence of the Eight Guardians was quite out of place. However, the wealthy patrons didn't seem to care about their presence at all, despite their raucous behavior that was equivalent to the behavior of low class peasants.
"I knew he could do it!" stated Shien, drunk after drinking more than ten full bottles of wine.
"The kid really has some talent," agreed Yanyun.
"Ah! This gives me an idea for a song!" declared Vanu. He brought out his flute and began to play a very beautiful and exciting melody. The other heroes enthusiastically clapped their hands along with his playing.
"Are you having fun, Shun?" Meina asked her student.
"Yes," replied Shun with a blush. "I was actually remembering the time that I had a similar celebration held a few years ago," he told her.
"I hope you'll be able to enjoy yourself," Meina told him with a smile.
"Come, Shun, let's dance!" cut in Airan, taking Shun by the hand and dancing with him around their table.
That night, the group partied all throughout the night. When the next day arrived, as the group were finally preparing to leave the establishment, a messenger approached them. He was sweating a storm and breathing hard. "Guardians," he heaved, "I have a message for you."
"What is it?" asked Chikriyattu.
"Your assistance is requested," said the messenger. "The client is waiting for you at the Golden Harvest Inn."
The heroes exchanged glances and then waited for their leader to give the order. "Let's go," Shien finally said.
"It's been more than a month since Shun-wan left," groaned Kira.
"You seriously have some attachment issues if you can't let him go after a month had already passed," poked Zen.
"Says the one who constantly wonders when he'll be back," shot back Kira.
"At least I don't fantasize myself as a maiden who beckons for her knight to return to her as if I was in a play!" insulted Zen with a smirk.
Kira's face turned a bright red color. "H-H-How—."
"'Oh, Shun-wan, when will you return to me and lessen the burden in my heart with your presence?'" mocked Zen in a high-pitched voice. Kira responded with a big slap to his face. "O-Okay, maybe I deserved that," he groaned while flat on his back.
"Geez, you two haven't changed a bit," said Tara, walking up to them.
"Father, do you think Shun-wan is okay?" asked Kira.
"I suspect that he must be in Gold Peak Valley right now," said Tara. "The city itself is relatively safe and has a host of hospitality spaces and good food, so I don't think he'll find himself in any trouble over there. Moreover, since it it a big urban center, I don't expect him to come across any trouble in conversing with the people. However…."
"What is it?" asked Kira excitedly.
"If he were to come across them, I don't expect it will be easy for him."
"Who?" asked Zen.
"Oh! You mean the Eight Misfits of Gold Peak!" realized Kira.
"Aren't they called the Eight Guardians now?" corrected Zen.
"Oh, you're right," agreed Kira.
"The Eight Guardians are chivalrous heroes and they are good people," admitted Tara, "However, their personalities are a little strange. Most of them are fine in temperament, but the one that worries me the most is the Mad Scholar, Li Shien. I have met him once before and he is a heretic with the most incorrigible attitude of any man I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Well, second to only him…."
"I think Shun will be fine," reassured Kira. "Besides, he's very strong. Nothing can bring him down!"
"You're right," agreed Zen. Suddenly, a voice called out from the Eru residence's gate. Zen said farewell to his master and Kira and promptly left for home. He was greeted by his servants and joined his family for dinner.
"Zen, are you ready for next week?" asked his mother.
"Of course, Mother," confirmed Zen.
Next week, Zen will be participating in an entrance exam for the Royal Academy. He is among a pool of five thousand examinees across the empire who will try to acquire one of the one hundred available seats to enter the preeminent learning institution of Chirokai. The doubts that he once had about becoming a member of the elite class had subsided within the last few weeks.
Zen finished his dinner and excused himself. In his room, he laid on his bed and stared at the ceiling with no particular thought in mind. As he turned on his side, he heard the servants' voices as they came down the hallway. Normally, he would ignore their chatter, but bits and pieces of their dialogue drew his ear.
"Really? So the magistrate's son isn't even his own?" asked one of the servant girls.
"His wife is really upset about it and is intent on suing him and his mistress!" confirmed the other servant girl. "I heard it from one of the magistrate's servant girls the day before while I was out shopping."
"These upper-class men are so savage," said the first girl. "Will they prey on any beautiful thing that moves on two legs?"
"Maybe next time he'll swoon an ape," joked the second girl. They both giggled before quickly quieting themselves.
"By the way, I've heard something like this from one of our seniors, too," came the second girl. "It made me realize that nobles are willing to do anything to have kids! It even made me cautious about approaching the Master now!"
"What did you hear?" asked the first girl with pure curiosity.
"It happened two years ago," explained the second girl.
"That was before we both came here," said the first girl.
"Well, two years ago, one of our seniors were standing in attendance outside the common area and she heard a conversation between the Master and Eru-senzo," continued the second girl. "According to the conversation, the Young Master isn't even the Master's own child."
"What? Really?" asked the first girl in shock. "Surely that can't be true."
"Well, the Master told the story of how he adopted the Young Master to Eru-senzo," added the second girl.
"You two, what are you talking so loud for?" came a third voice. The two girls stiffened their bodies and bowed their heads before the Young Master's own personal maid. "The Young Master is resting," said Sumin in a strict voice.
"We apologize for our impertinence," said the servants in unison before dispersing.
Meanwhile, inside his room, Zen had his ears pressed close to the door the entire time. His eyes were widened in a mix of shock and fear and anger, his blood was boiling like a pot on the verge of exploding, and his feet felt numb and weak. 'This can't be true,' he told himself. 'It's just gossip. Servants gossip all the time. This can't be true. It's can't be true!' When he heard the servants taking their leave, he quickly opened the door and stopped them. "Is it all true?" he asked them in a terrified voice. His breathing was growing more unsteady as tension and anxiety ate him up inside.
The servants were quiet and had their heads down in a display of guilt. Tiny sobs escaped from their lips and teardrops fell to the floor in front of them. Zen took their silence and display of guilt as confirmation to this horrible revelation. He made a mad dash to the common area and confronted his father and mother, who were peacefully engaged in conversation with tea at their side.
"I am not your son!" declared Zen. His words shocked his parents. "That is the truth, isn't it? Isn't it?!" His voice grew more and more furious and loud as his anger was leaking out of his body.
"Zen, what are you talking about?" asked his mother calmly.
"What am I talking about? I'm talking about how I'm not even your kid!" shouted Zen. "The both of you found me and made me your son, didn't you?!"
"Zen—," attempted the duke.
"I heard it from the servants!" revealed Zen.
The duke swallowed a gulp. Furiously, he made the following announcement: "Call all of the servants!"
Every servant in the estate immediately gathered in the common area. After the duke told them his reason for assembling them, he requested for the servants responsible for initiating this mess to reveal themselves. The two girls from before stepped up, their bodies both shaking in fear and guilt.
"You girls are new, aren't you?" said the duke sternly. "How did you hear about this gossip?"
Immediately, one of the other servants stepped forward. "It is my fault, Master," said the servant. She explained how she had heard it that one day and how she carelessly shared it to the newcomer as if it was just regular gossip.
Normally, the duke wouldn't care about gossip among the servants. It was normal for servants to share news with each other out of earshot of their masters. Though if these news ever made it to the ears of their masters, they were rarely punished. It was the only activity in which they can engage in that would serve as a kind of respite from their regular activities. However, this time, the duke could not let this gossip go.
"Who else knows of this?" Duke Juwan asked the crowd. There was shuffling amongst the group before more than half of them stepped forward. "I see," muttered the duke with a frown. "Zen, I had hoped that I wouldn't have to tell you this," he began, "I did not want to burden you with emotions that could destroy this happy life that you currently have. Though I have given this much thought and at times believed it to be my duty to explain to you your origins, my fear of losing you always won out over my desire to be forthright with you."
"This can't be true," mumbled Zen. "This can't be true!" he shouted in a pained voice. He had wanted to hear his father deny it, but those words that came from his lips confirmed his fears for the worst.
"Zen, do you know what the mark on the inside of your right wrist is?" asked the duke.
Zen looked at the mark, the same mark that he had seen countless times before. This mark was a part of his own body. It was the size of a knife tip and had a shape reminiscent of a spearhead. Zen had always wondered what it was and remembered his father telling him once when he was young that the mark was a symbol of the gods' protection.
"That mark," continued the duke, "is the Spear of Nobuchiko." Nobuchiko is one of the most important gods in the religion of Chirokai and most of Adata. He is the god of war, strategy, martial arts, weapons, and honor. He is worshipped by warriors and soldiers and often with his twin brother, Yumachiko, the god of war, rites, blessings, magic, and order.
"I have heard of this mark before," revealed the duke. "After doing some more investigating into the matter, I now know that you, Zen, are a descendant of the Yunwei Clan. And now, after all these years, it makes sense."
"The Yunwei Clan,…" muttered Zen under his breath.
The duke then began to tell Zen the whole story of how he came about the abandoned baby that was the lone survivor of a destroyed village. As he spoke, the duke did not meet Zen's eyes at all. His voice was brittle at times, nostalgic at others, but carried a strong gravity from start to finish. His wife could only look away with a sad expression tinged with a sense of longing and love.
"I see," said Zen once the duke finished with the story. "So, do you know who killed my parents?" His voice and expression was softer now. It appeared that he was ready to forgive his adoptive parents for hiding this secret from him.
The duke took a deep breath before answering. "Gwai Tidan, the Minister of the Interior," he answered his son.
Zen's expression conveyed the shock that now petrified his body. "M-M-Minister—," he gasped.
"Twelve years ago, Gwai Tidan had ordered for the execution of a village in Juilan Province. The reason stated on paper was treason and the propagation of heresy. Ten thousand people were killed and three hundred were taken back as slaves. Animals were slaughtered, buildings were burned, and agricultural fields were ripped to shreds."
"Wouldn't we have heard about this?" asked Zen.
"This case was apparently declared 'Closed' by the minister himself," replied the duke. "When a case is declared as such by the minister, who has the power to do as he pleases, it means that the case can only be viewed by officials of his own standing or the royal family. I only received this information through my own connections, but once the minister learns of this, I can only imagine the punishment that will be dealt to our family for this transgression."
"Why did the Emperor allow for this to happen?" asked Zen.
"Gwai Tidan is a known seducer in court," said the duke. "No one is immune to his silver tongue, be they man or king."
"Impossible," muttered Zen, "Impossible. Impossible. Impossible!" In a fit of rage, he grabbed his father by the throat and raised him up. "This is all your fault. You officials are all the same! You lie and kill and do as you please without considering the consequences of your actions! This is all your fault! This is all your fault!" Zen had finally snapped.
"Zen," struggled the duke, "even if I were to tell you this when you were younger, would you still see me as an enemy?"
The duke's words hit Zen very hard and he lessened his grip a bit while still having his hand wrapped around the former's throat. He hadn't considered that possibility. But now, it was too late. Even if he wanted to ponder over that possibility, his mind and heart refused to comprehend it. Zen's grip tightened yet again and his face was contorted into a terrifying scowl. "I've had enough of your words. I can never trust the words of people like you ever again!" With a scream of rage, he threw the duke down onto the ground. The force of the throw and the impact with the floor made the duke spit up blood.
"Get help! Get help!" the mistress called to her servants. The servants all scrambled out of the room. No more than ten minutes had passed when the sound of brisk footsteps approached the room.
"What's going on here?" asked Tara. The situation he had come to witness bewildered him beyond comprehension. "Zen, what possessed you to do this?" he asked his student in shock.
"Did you know about this?" Zen asked his teacher without turning around. "Did you know that I was never the duke's son?"
Tara glanced over at the duke, who was now sitting up with his wife's help, and back at Zen. "Yes," he finally answered.
"So, I can't even trust my own teacher anymore," said Zen with a scoff. "Shun was right to leave this place. He was correct in his judgement of officials."
"Zen, what are going on about?" asked Tara. "Are you planning on avenging the destruction of your village?"
"My village?" said Zen. He shook his head. "All my life, I have only ever known Squire Village as my home. I have no personal connection nor investment in a village that I have never known before. I am not that naive. Why would I fight for people whom I had never met or for a home that I had never lived in? There is no merit in looking for vengeance when that vengeance never existed in the first place."
"Then—?" interjected Tara.
"I just want to destroy the person responsible for making me live a lie," revealed Zen. "No, one person's life is not enough. He is not the only one responsible. What I should really destroy is this corrupt system that we live in. Officials hold too much power over the people and the people are forced to live in fear of them. It is this behavior that have made the people weaker and allowed those wretched rats to have their way. If the gods are not willing to judge them until they reach the afterlife, then I will act as their judge on this Earth!"
"Zen, are you out of your mind?!" exclaimed Tara.
"Today will be the last day I live my life as Juwan Zen," declared Zen. "Tomorrow morning, I will leave this place."
"Z-Zen, what are you—," struggled the duke.
"Once I leave this place, I will not return," continued Zen.
"Zen, please rethink this!" cried out the mistress.
"There is no need!" replied Zen.
"What will you be doing with your life from now on? Where will you go?!" asked Tara.
"My mission is easy: destroy this corrupt world that we live in," answered Zen darkly. "As for the second matter, I will live where I please. I will no longer abide by the rules that were set up by the very people who dare to control me."
"Zen, you will be living a very dangerous lifestyle," warned Tara. "It is not too late to turn back now."
"Turning back will only tighten the bonds that I want to rend!" shot back Zen. No one said anything else after this final sentence.
The next morning, Zen did as he had said. He packed up his belongings and prepared to leave this life behind. His parents had tried once again to beg him to stay, but he still refused their pleas. Now that his anger from the night before subsided, Zen was aware of his adoptive parents' sincere care and love for him. But even with this revelation, he was still intent on leaving them behind. Once he leaves this place, he will finally bury his past self and the lifestyle that was tied to it.
When he made it to the front gate of his estate, he was stopped by Kira. She stood in front of him with tears running down her face. Without a word, she slapped Zen straight across the face. Both of them said nothing, but her actions were enough to convey her feelings to him. Zen accepted her feelings and trudged past her. He took no more than five steps when Kira finally decided to speak. "You're never coming back, are you?" she asked.
"Yes," he simply answered back.
"You're not going to change your mind?"
"No."
"I can't stop you, can I?"
"No."
"I will be all alone now." Her voice cracked before finishing the sentence.
Zen paused for a minute before answering. "Yes," he finally said.
"Seriously, you boys are all the same," she muttered to herself tearfully.
"No, we're not the same at all," Zen told her. "Unlike Shun, I'm not out here trying to complete an honorable deed." He laughed dryly to himself. "I'm just going to destroy hell before I destroy myself."
"Zen, you—," started Kira.
"I'm sorry," said Zen. Kira turned around and saw that he had disappeared. She was all alone once again.