Year 2, POV: Vaishnuyasa

It is two years after I heard the news of the Shambhala Tribe's god being incarnated, I knew it was the time I had to go meet that 'god' myself.

The tribe was located in depths of the Himalayas. Even though referred to as a tribe due to its primitive lifestyle, the Shambhala society was high in sciences. All the people were talented physically, mentally, and were devotional to their culture.

My mother originated from the Shambhala Tribe, which she left in order to explore the outside. Growing up, most of what I listened to was about the culture and mythology of Shambhala. Even though I never took much interest in it, Shambhala's culture had become an inseparable part of my life.

After following the path to the tribe which was engraved in my memory after hearing thousands of time from my mother, I finally reached it. But what I was seeing-

The scene before me left no doubt—the tribe had been attacked.. I was only able to see fire and it's wrath. I quickly went to look for and help survivors if any, but I was not even able to spot any bodies.

I came across a settlement which was not at all affected by the raging fire around it. The house seemed like it was decorated like a temple. The garlands hanging from its doors were still fresh, the flowers vibrant as if they hadn't been touched by the chaos outside. Not even a single petal had wilted.

I could feel a chill creep down my spine. This wasn't natural. I knew someone had to be in there. I went in, and could hear a child crying. I found him in a small wooden cradle. None except that child was in the home. 

I took him to safety and then got back to search for any other survivors. But in the end, I wasn't able to save anyone else than the little boy. I took him back with me, to The Eastern Empire. 

Its where I stopped my journey as a vagabond, developing a place just to educate another generation about the way of life, in order to stop humanity from collapsing in times to come.

Year 10, POV: Akiro

"I am Shiro Akiro, now honored to be one of the students of the Gurukul. Sir Vaishnuyasa adopted me when I was 2 years old, but I was later fostered by Sir Renold, the army commander of the Empire of Sayah. My interests include swordsmanship, reading books, and political sciences. Looking forward to learning with you all!"

Oof, I think I did great for my introductory speech in the Gurukul. Other students started applauding. It is finally the day I will start living in the gurukul. I excel in many different arts taught to me by the chief, court minister, and royal servants. But finally, this was the moment I had dreamed of—a place to grow even more.

"Kiyoshi, would you also like to introduce yourself?"

our teacher asked, drawing attention to the last student left for his introductory speech.

"My name is Kiyoshi. I am an orphan, was fostered by the kotoha monks. That's all."

Seems like someone who lacks passion, a dull person.

A classmate, named Rosewall snorted. "Nothing else? No family name? No honor?"

"Honor's a pretty word you nobles use to hide the stench of their greed," said Kiyoshi

The class stiffened. "Your father's taxes starved three villages last winter. How's their honor?" Rosewall's face flushed crimson.

Seeing the drama starting, our teacher thud the table and started talking.

"Now that we are done with your introductions, let us move on to other things. I will be acting as your batch leader, Ryuk, you kids can just call me leader."

our teacher announced, stepping forward. His presence radiated maturity and friendliness, and a hush fell over the room as we all turned our focus to him.

"First of All, kids, here you will have to follow a certain time table and lifestyle."

He went on to write a time table on the black board-

4:00am: Wake up, cleanliness

4:30-6:00am -> workout, waterfall meditation

6:00-10:00am -> Academics class

10:00-11:00am -> Lunch

11:00-1:00pm -> Academics class, Philosophy lectures

1:00-3:00pm -> Free time

3:00-5:00pm -> Martial Arts class

5:00-6:00pm -> Dinner

6:00-8:00pm -> Special class

9:00pm -> Bedtime

After that Sir Ryuk went on to explain other rules and regulations to us.

"And lastly, remember this,"

Sir Ryuk's voice dropped to a low, solemn tone, his friendly face turned serious.

"You are here to learn, yes. But more than that, you are here to discover the true potential of your spirit. Those who understand will find their true self."

After some more explanation, he guided us through the gurukul, showing us the places like the classes, training ground, cafeteria, etc. I did even realise when our day 1 ended and it was already bedtime. Even after laying on the bed for hours, I couldn't sleep because of my excitement for our classes tomorrow.

POV: Kiyoshi

Today is our second day here in gurukul. The environment here is very different from the monastery of the monks, I have been having a hard time blending in. There are some people I already look up to, like the 'Akiro' guy in my batch, who is my age but already excels many things, and our leader, Ryuk, who I can tell by seeing is a really strong warrior.

I was already used to the morning routine of workout and meditation, though the classes... I slept through most of them. In the philosophy class I picked up that different views on the meaning of life were being talked about. Life is just marked by sufferings. The whole point of life is to overcome those sufferings and become a stronger, better individual. At least, that is the teaching I was given to by the monks.

It was finally 3pm, time for the martial arts class which I was most excited for.

"Wow Akiro! You are good at swordsmanship too!"

In today's class our sword skills were being tested for the training to come. I didn't expect someone in my batch to be stronger than me, though seems like 'Akiro' guy would prove a good competition. But I am certain, he can't be stronger than me.

We were to only duel with our partner, and my partner seemed to be a really weak guy. I remember him from actively participating in the debates in philosophy class though.

"Don't you really have any strength?"

"Apologies if I'm not meeting your standards, mr. No Honour. But I must say, I didn't expect you to be actually good at martial arts."

"good? I wonder if anybody here except Ryuk will be a fun play for me."

"Haha, How rude of you to address leader by his name, gutter rat"

I went on to break his nose with the hilt of my practice sword.

POV: Akiro

It was time for the special classes, though they were not supposed to happen today, on our first day. I don't even know what special classes were meant to be anyways. Leader told us to use this time for bonding as classmates. I think he said something quirky like-

"The adventure is all about the people we befriend along the way."

Though, some peer groups had already formed on the first day, according the the social rankings of the individual's family. Especially Rosewall, son of Eastern Empire's general affairs minister, had formed quite a group with kids of other noblemen using his verbal skills.

I think there are some people I might get along with, but I was feeling pretty exhausted, thus deciding to take a walk around the gurukul. The air here really felt so fresh unlike the city or the palace. Maybe living in a natural place like this is gonna be the biggest factor for our education.

When I was near the training ground, I noticed Rosewall and two of his apprentices peeking in.

"Hey! What are you guys doing?"

"Shh"

"That bastard orphan made me faint in front of the whole batch in martial arts class today. We are planning to launch a surprise attack on him, will make sure to make him remember the social hierarchy"

I looked inside, Kiyoshi was there, using this time to practice the art of the sword. Hmm, interesting.

"Oh so you want to take revenge? Why the need for an ambush though, you guys can beat him with numbers"

"While sparring today, he said that he is even stronger than Ryuk"

"Haha, How rude of you to address leader by his name. Anyways, you guys should forget about revenge for now"

"Huh?"

I proceeded to go in the training ground.

"Hey wait. Why defend that rat? His kind steals grain from the imperial silos. My father says orphans are roaches—squash one, ten more crawl from the rot."

Kiyoshi noticed me. I picked up a practice sword.

"Would you like to spar, Kiyoshi?"

He glared at me for a second, with his bloodlust filled eyes.

"Huf Sure", he said while panting.

He got into a stance which looked really immature, compared to the formal training I was given. He was wide open.

I did a small movement to bait his reaction.

"Ha!"

He attacked me with all his force. Though I was able to parry because I was fainting, I came to realise how strong he was. But anyways, if he doesn't have any strategy or skill, his strength doesn't matter.

After parrying some more blows, I used an opening to strike him along the neck. I stopped right before the sword actually hit his neck though.

"Its your win", he said, while not looking me in the eyes.