- At Night -
"Ah. This view never gets old."
At the peak, Kori could see all the trees below. The difference in height made it thrilling to watch the tree leaves and branches moving with the gentle wind. Moonlight shining on the temple dome was illuminating the entire temple in a dark night. A view so different from what he was used to, made him appreciate the peaceful beauty of nature.
"Alright. Time to practice my new martial arts."
I've been coming to the peak of Mt. Kamadu every night since I came back. Aside from the temple, the mountains are home to several small villages. Even though we're far away from major trade centres, the mountain has enough resources to feed its inhibitors.
On top of that, normal people here are stronger and healthier than the ones living in the major cities. All of this is because of the pure energy of Mt. Kamadu that is absorbed by all living organisms alike.
In my past life, I spent a lot of time on Mt. Izahan training with my master. Mt. Izahan is similar to Mt. Kamadu but it doesn't have anyone living there. All of the population live in the Izahan city which is located near the mountains. Only martial artists go to the mountains for training.
Soon my aura level will reach the level of a third generation Martial Master, but I haven't mastered a high level martial art yet. I'll need to learn that martial arts as soon as possible. If my calculations are right, I only have about a month left before they appear at Mt. Kamadu.
"When that happens, I'll be ready! This time around, I won't let anyone die."
- Next Day at Training Grounds -
"Young disciples, brace yourself. Today Master Ken will be incharge of your training."
"Master Ken. I thought he only trained senior disciples. What is going on? Do you have any idea Kori?"
"No. I'm just as confused as you are Uroi."
"Morning junior disciples. Today you are going to learn how to push yourself to the limit.
That is the only way to grow stronger, so everyone be ready to feel pain today!"
"Ugh! How is he able to say such vile things like it's nothing?"
"Uroi, you should listen to him. You've been slacking in training recently."
"What? How dare you I'm just as strong as you are, Kori."
"Come to think of it, maybe he is here because of you. You hardly put any effort into training, so maybe when he said push the limits he meant it for you."
"Stop spouting nonsense. I always give my hundred percent when it comes to training."
"Maybe if hundred means ten to you."
"Shut up! Let me train in peace…"
- Later that Evening, At Kiyoshi Shrine -
"Where did Master Ken go? Wait, is he in the shrine? I'll have to see that."
"How's everything going Ken?"
"To be honest, things could be better, but don't worry I'll come up with a solution, Master Tomoya."
"Don't be so hard on yourself Ken. Heavens must have a plan for us."
"Yes, Master! I heard from a merchant that there might be someone in the Keisha village that can help us."
"Keisha. But that is far away, it will take months to get there."
"Time is not a problem, master. I was informed that the path to the village is blocked by the recent landslide.
I think it would be easier and less dangerous if I go there by myself."
"Normally I would give you the permission, but lately I have been having a feeling that something evil is headed towards Mt. Kamadu. I'm worried something bad might happen in your absence."
"But master, without the help we won't be able to…"
"Why are you hiding there!"
"Master Tomoya, who are you talking to?"
"The brat hiding outside! Don't play dumb just come inside."
"I apologise Master Tomoya and Master Ken. I wasn't eavesdropping."
That's exactly what I was doing.
"Look at this brat. Lying in front of me without any shame."
Crap!
"No Master! I was.."
"Stop it. Just tell me the truth, what are you doing here?"
There's no point in lying.
"I was looking for Master Ken."
"Ken? Why?"
"Well, the thing is, I heard your conversation, Master Tomoya. I think I can help you with the situation."
"Help? Interesting! What do you propose, young disciple?"
"Master Tomoya! You can't be serious. He doesn't even know what we were talking about."
"I'm aware Ken. But let's hear what he has to say."
"Okay master."
"Thank you, Master Tomoya, for listening to me…."
"Just get to the point already."
"I know someone who can help the temple. Someone who will be in the Kaminari village in a few days."
It is true. Right now the temple is facing a major problem of funding. Most of the temple's operations depend on the funding from merchants and generous villagers.
The temple spends this money on food and other facilities for its disciples. Most disciples leave the temple to find work outside Mt. Kamadu where they spend the rest of their lives. Some of these disciples come to the temple to contribute money to help out but lately no disciple has returned for a long time.
Although Mt. Kamadu is a great source of fruits, the temple still needs the help of villagers and merchants to get other food items and clothing. Because it is the fifth month of winter, the merchants have also run out of resources they stored on their last run to the city.
"Few days? How do you know this person?"
"He is someone I knew before coming to the temple. He was the one who took care of me after I lost my family."
That is mostly true. I met him in my previous life when everyone I considered family was killed. I spent most of life learning martial arts from him before I joined my comrades to eradicate those demons.
"Is that so? You said village Kaminari?"
"Yes Master."
"Huh. If that is true, Ken won't have to leave the temple."
"But Master Tomoya, we don't know this person. We don't know if he can even help us or will help us."
"That's true Ken. But something tells me I should trust this boy. Maybe it's a sign from the Heavens.
Alright Ken, tomorrow take the young disciple to the village. It would take two days for you to get there."
"I'll do as you say, Master Tomoya."
"Young disciple, are you sure this person will be at the village in a few days?"
"I'm certain, Master."
"It is decided then. Both of you will begin your journey to the Kaminari village tomorrow morning. May the heavens yield your trip fruitful."
"Thank you, master."
- Later that night -
In my previous life, the temple faced the same problem. The lack of money and resources were making it difficult to operate the temple effectively. Last time Master Ken left for the Keisha village to find a solution but when he came back the village was already under attack by the eighth Kyomu.
He tried his best to fight against that demon but in the end he lost. This time it's going to be different. With my new martial arts, I'll be able to fulfill my role of defeating that demon before he could hurt anyone.
"Tomorrow, I'll meet him after a long time…"
- Next Day, In the Morning -
"Are you ready to go, young disciple?"
"Yes! Master Ken, let's hurry up."
Just wait a little more, your disciple is coming, Master Savai…