"What the hell are po-powers?" Shailya stammered, his voice trembling with confusion.
"Powers are supernatural abilities given by Gods and Deities to us lower beings," Vahalla explained calmly.
"You said you're a higher being," Shailya pointed out.
"I'm higher than you, but not higher than the Gods and Deities," Vahalla clarified.
"But what about powers? We humans don't have them," Shailya argued.
"We lower beings all have powers," Vahalla insisted.
"Huh? No one uses any sort of superpowers here," Shailya said, incredulous.
"Do you know that you humans are more developed than any other beings on your planet?" Vahalla asked.
"Yes, it is because we have knowledge and we can use our brains in that manner," Shailya replied.
"That is it," Vahalla nodded.
"I don't understand," Shailya admitted, shaking his head.
"You humans have the power to think and analyze things, along with the power of wealth, fraternity, and a few others," Vahalla continued.
"Still, I don't understand," Shailya confessed.
"Only if you knew how to summon a God and use your Power, you would be more powerful than any other being on your planet," Vahalla said.
"Huh?" Shailya's confusion deepened.
"See, the Goddess of Knowledge, Arina, and the Goddess of Wealth, Ellina, give you the power to think and become wealthy," Vahalla explained.
"Really?" Shailya asked, intrigued.
"Yes."
"Do all humans have the same abilities?" Shailya inquired.
"Yes, but because no one knows how to use their power wisely, it seems otherwise," Vahalla replied.
"Umm, how will we?"
"See, a rich person on this planet knows how to use their power a little more than you, thus they are rich. The same goes for strong people and educated ones. We all have the power of the Goddess of Education, but why is someone more educated and someone less? Do you know?" Vahalla asked.
"Umm, because educated people know how to use their power and teach it to their offspring," Shailya reasoned.
"True."
"I'm starting to understand a bit about powers," Shailya said, nodding slowly.
"You'll know everything about them," Vahalla assured him.
"You, old man, what is your status? Are you the highest being after Deities and Gods?" Shailya asked, curiosity burning in his eyes.
"Nope! I'm the second highest being, just after one person," Vahalla replied.
"Wait... who is classifying these as higher and lower beings?" Shailya asked.
"It depends on the way you use your power. See, I'm the most powerful in my community's history, and my community is the strongest and second highest community, while you all are far below. Do you happen to know Jose Elbert?" Vahalla inquired.
"Who wouldn't know him, the richest of the rich," Shailya answered.
"He is the most powerful being on this planet, thus a higher being than you."
"Nice."
"Devote yourself to me. What is your name again?" Vahalla asked.
"Shailya," he replied.
"Yes, devote yourself to me," Vahalla urged.
"I won't," Shailya said firmly.
"Why?" Vahalla asked, surprised.
"I will take my time," Shailya replied.
"Fine then, decide during your military training camp," Vahalla said.
"Sure. Now I'll take my leave."
"Bye."
Shailya went back to his house, still confused about the old man, Vahalla. With doubts swirling in his mind, he entered his house, where everyone was preparing for a surprise. Tomorrow was Shailya's birthday. The moment he stepped inside, a firecracker blasted outside. He turned to see who had set it off and then turned back to see all his friends and family shouting, "Happy 20th Birthday, Shailya!"
Out of joy, Shailya forgot about the helpless girl at the camp and Vahalla. He was celebrating, happy and unaware of the future changes on his path.
"Birthday? My birthday is tomorrow, guys!" Shailya exclaimed, his face lighting up with happiness.
"Fool! It has already been 12 o'clock," Sahiba joked.
"Huh?" Shailya was unaware that it was already midnight.
"Just thank us," Sahiba prompted.
"Uhmm... thank you, guys!" Shailya said, glowing with gratitude.
"That is so dry, but anyways, it's fine," Sahiba teased.
The party went on the whole night. At dawn, when everyone was asleep, Shailya wore his cloak, put on a hat, and went outside. He was probably headed towards the Sacred Tree to meet Old Man Vahalla. As he reached the main door, he saw a postman placing a letter in his letterbox and a parcel nearby. Shailya ran to the letterbox and opened it, finding an envelope addressed to him. He opened the envelope.
From,
Ganitvadev Raya, Commander of the Runestone Regiment, Ranibagh, Malwaivaram
To,
Shailya Mahoraga, 359th Cadet of Runestone Regiment, Diwankula, Rayvaram
Mr. Ganitvadev Raya, on behalf of the Royal Department of Recruitment and the Runestone Regiment's permanent members, apologizes for the delay in the military training programme. The programme will continue in five days. Until then, we ask you to train for the programme as it will determine your future ranks in the army.
Have our warm regards, Mr. Shailya Mahoraga, son of Maqbir Mahoraga, residing at Darsen Road, Diwankula.
Yours Truly, Mir-e-shul, Ganitvadev Raya
"Ahh, five more days. Anyways, there's this parcel too. I wonder who it's for," Shailya muttered to himself.
"Of course, it's for you," an old, loud voice boomed, startling Shailya.
"Heeeyaioooo! Vahalla, is this Vahalla?" Shailya exclaimed.
"Yes! This is me," Vahalla proudly answered.
"How did you know my address?" Shailya asked, bewildered.
"I know everything about you. I even know what's inside that envelope," Vahalla replied.
"What is there?" Shailya inquired.
"A letter from your trainer about the camp, which says you have five more days until the programme. It also says to train yourself," Vahalla explained.
"How did you know that?" Shailya asked, freaked out.
"I just know that," Vahalla said mysteriously.
"But that's not the answer," Shailya protested.
"Shailya, OPEN THE BOX," Vahalla urged, more excited than Shailya himself.
"Fine," Shailya conceded.
Shailya opened the parcel box and found two packets. He opened the first one.
"It's just my uniform," Shailya said, his excitement deflating.
"This is not an ordinary one. This is the official cadet uniform," Vahalla emphasized.
"I know that," Shailya replied.
"Shailya, open the next packet," Vahalla insisted.
"Yes! I'm so hyped up," Shailya said eagerly.
Shailya opened the second packet and found some booklets and three little cubes.
"What is with these booklets, huh?" Shailya wondered aloud.
"Maybe it's the guide for the training," Vahalla suggested.
"You're correct, Shailya. I trust in you," Vahalla said encouragingly.
"It's not like you have other options," Shailya muttered.
"NOW, NOW, OPEN IT..." Vahalla urged impatiently.
THE MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMME
Every year, thousands of new cadets enroll in the army to serve the nation, but have you ever wondered how we distribute the ranks among the new cadets? We congratulate you on finishing the written test and the physical test, but that is not all that is needed to be a cadet. One needs to have special training, the Ennikulam Varani training. There will be three phases of the training, and based on your performance, you will be given certain points. Higher points will lead to higher posts.
The cadets who are finalized will be separated into five groups: the advanced unit, Saba Regiment; the defense unit, Konkali Regiment; the police unit, which takes care of law and order within the boundaries, Kaishavali Regiment; the air force unit, Vayvan Regiment; and the naval unit, Kanchi Regiment. These are further divided into more regiments, such as the Parina Regiment, Rajmahal Regiment, Sahanabad Regiment, Marinabad Regiment, Indunagar Regiment, Katiavad Regiment, and Silavat Regiment. The top three highest-scoring candidates will be granted the positions of Mir I'Jinah, Commander, and Vice Commander, respectively. The rest of the top-scoring candidates will be given the position of normal cadets.
The Military Training Programme is considered one of the most difficult examinations in the world. More than 700,000 enroll, and only 300,000 pass. During the final selection, the numbers are reduced to 200,000. You will find three cubes in this packet too. They are the gears that everyone will be using.
Shailya sat back, processing the information. "Ah, I see. This is serious business," he said to himself.
"Indeed, it is," Vahalla replied.
Shailya couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness as he held the booklets and cubes in his hands. He knew that the next five days would be crucial for his future in the Royal Malwai Army. With determination, he decided to train hard and make the most of the time he had.
[To be continued in Chapter 4]