The classroom session wraps up as the clock strikes noon. M1 stands at the front, concluding the lesson.

  “That’s it for now. We’ll meet at lunch.” He looks over at P5, who is still balancing on her hands. “You’re free to get back on your feet.”

  P5 groans as she finally drops onto the floor, stretching her arms. “Why do I always get into trouble?” she mutters to herself.

  M1 walks past her with a grin. “Try arriving on time for once.”

  P5 sighs. “I do try, but getting up is just… so boring.”

  M1 chuckles. “I’ll make you a deal. If you can come to class on time for the next week, I’ll tell you which weapon suits you best.”

  P5’s eyes widened with excitement. “Wait, really?!” She seriously considers making the effort for once.

  M1 simply gives a playful shrug before walking away. As he moves toward the assistant, he says, “Set up for lunch, will you?”

  “Of course, Master.” She nods and heads toward the supplies he had given her earlier that morning.

  Meanwhile, M1 glances over at P3, who is walking near the garden. He joins him, matching his pace. “P3, I want you to help the new kid catch up. Teach him about spiritual auras, weapons, and the basics. He’ll need it.”

  P3 nods without hesitation. “I’ll do that, Master.”

  M1 pats his shoulder. “Good. Since you’re more mature than the others, I think it’ll be easier coming from you.”

  P3 smiles. “I’ll make sure he gets it.”

  M1 gives a satisfied nod before walking off.

  Meanwhile, P4 is assigned to wake P6. He walks into the bunk room, spotting P6 still fast asleep. P4 crosses his arms and smirks. “Wakey-wakey, newbie. Time to get up.”

  P6 stirs but doesn’t immediately respond. He blinks slowly, momentarily confused about where he is. It takes him a second to realize that everything wasn’t just a dream.

  P4 tilts his head. “Hello? Are you listening? Where’s your mind wandering off to?”

  P6 finally sits up, rubbing his eyes. He looks at P4 properly for the first time—he hadn’t noticed him before since P4 had been in the treehouse earlier.

  P4 sighs. “Come on, wash your face. Let’s go eat.”

  P6 follows him to the washroom, freshening up before they both walk out to the lunch area.

  ?

  Scene: Lunchtime

  Everyone gathers for lunch, sitting on the ground in a relaxed circle. The food is set in the middle, and each person has their own portion served on wooden plates.

  P6 is surprised to see a hot, well-cooked meal in front of him. His eyes widen slightly at the sight—when was the last time he had something like this?

  M1, M2, and the assistant also sit with the pupils, making the atmosphere feel even warmer.

  P1 and P4 are already seated, waiting for the food to be served. P5 stretches her arms dramatically and mutters, “Ugh, my arms are sore.”

  P1 smirks. “So, how was your handstand class?”

  P5 glares. “Not funny.”

  P2, still distracted by his earlier encounter with M1, sits quietly. Meanwhile, P3 watches as P6 hesitates before taking his first bite. The assistant notices too and speaks softly. “Go ahead. Eat as much as you like.”

  P6 finally starts eating, savoring each bite. As the meal continues, the group relaxes. They chat about small things—how the weather is too hot today, how P5 keeps finding ways to get into trouble, and how P1 is improving her stamina.

  M2, as always, speaks little, but his presence alone is reassuring. The assistant, on the other hand, occasionally joins in, laughing at the pupils’ playful remarks.

  At one point, M1 laughs at something P4 says. P6 observes him, noticing something intriguing. Unlike M2, who radiates a silent and unshakable strength, M1 has a different aura—disciplined yet playful at the same time. He is both strict and engaging, and that balance fascinates P6.

  After lunch, P3 leans over to P6. “Come with me. I’ll show you something.”

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  P6 follows him to the treehouse.

  ?

  Scene: Treehouse Conversation

  P6 stares up at the treehouse, realizing how high it actually is. P3 climbs up with ease, then looks down. “Come on up.”

  P6 hesitates. He tries climbing but struggles, slipping twice.

  P3 watches and, instead of teasing, says, “Don’t worry, it took me time to get used to climbing up here too. But I can assure you, the view from here is worth it.”

  P6 grumbles.

  After another failed attempt, P3 sighs, jumps down, and offers a hand. “Come on, I’ll help you.”

  With P3’s support, P6 finally reaches the top. They sit, looking down at the orphanage below. From this height, the whole place seems peaceful.

  As they sit, they spot M1 walking toward the gate, with P2 following him.

  ?

  Scene: M1 & P2’s Conversation

  M1 stops at the entrance. “You almost didn’t listen to me the entire day.”

  P2 stiffens. “Huh?”

  M1 grins. “Surprised? You thought I wouldn’t notice?”

  P2 stays silent.

  M1 continues. “You were too preoccupied. Want to know why?”

  P2 looks up, confused.

  M1 raises his hand—the same hand that had blocked P2’s punch earlier. He turns it slightly, revealing a tiny bruise.

  P2’s eyes widened. “That…”

  M1 smirks. “You’re stronger than you think. Don’t underestimate yourself.”

  P2 clenches his fist, staring at the bruise. He had actually managed to cause even the smallest damage to M1. It wasn’t effortless for the Master to block him.

  M1 pats P2’s shoulder. “But don’t dwell on it too much. If you keep clinging to the past, soon this moment will also become the past. Focus on the present.”

  With that, he waves and walks away, leaving P2 standing there, deep in thought.

  P2 watches him go, eyes glowing with newfound understanding.

  As P3 and P6 sat atop the treehouse, the world stretched before them, vibrant and full of life. Below, P2 stood silently, seemingly lost in thought, still processing the words M1 had imparted earlier. Near the hut, P1 spoke with the assistant, her posture relaxed yet disciplined. Further away, P4 walked alongside P5, the two engaged in a quiet conversation.

  P3 glanced at P6 and smirked. “Welcome to the orphanage, officially.” He leaned back against the wooden railing, tapping his fingers against the wood. “I know you’ve already met everyone, or at least seen them, but let me give you a little insight into who they are. You’ll get to know them in your own way, but for now, I’ll help you out.”

  He gestured toward himself first. “I’m P3. I was the second to arrive here, which technically makes me the oldest among the pupils. If you ever need anything, you can come to me. I tend to be the guy people find easy to talk to.” He chuckled slightly, rubbing the back of his head. “Or at least, that’s what they tell me.”

  Picking up a small wooden stick, he pointed it downward at P2. “That’s P2. He’s got power, but it comes with weight. He doesn’t say much, but that doesn’t mean he’s not thinking. His mind is sharp, and his fists even sharper. There’s something inside him, something that drives him forward, and whatever it is, it keeps him going no matter what.”

  He then shifted the stick toward the assistant and P1. “The assistant—she’s one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet. She takes care of us, makes sure we have food, a place to sleep, and everything else we need. She’s not just important to us; even the masters respect her deeply. And P1—she is the most disciplined among us. She never misses a training session, never complains, and always pushes forward. If there’s one person here who can outlast anyone in sheer willpower, it’s her. She’s also easy to talk to, so whenever you feel like making conversation, go for it.”

  His stick moved again, this time toward P4 and P5. “P4 is different. He’s calm, thoughtful, and, above all, helpful. He always tries to think about all of us, making sure we’re okay. He’s compassionate in a way that’s rare.” P3 then smirked. “And P5? Lazy as hell. But don’t let that fool you. Her mind works faster than all of ours combined. When it comes to strategy, she’s on a different level.”

  P3 finally pointed the stick toward the village visible beyond the stream. “Master 1 lives down there. He comes every day, brings us food, and keeps us updated on what’s going on in the village. He teaches us about conceptual knowledge—things like auras, different fighting styles, how to refine our techniques, and how to control energy.”

  Then, he turned the stick toward M2, who was walking near the training grounds. “And Master 2? You’ve already met him. He’s strict, no doubt about that, but he’s powerful. More importantly, he knows how to pass that power on to us. He doesn’t just teach us how to fight—he makes us understand how to grow stronger, how to push past our limits. He’s the pillar that fuels all of us.”

  P3 let the stick rest on his lap and turned to P6. “So,” he said, tilting his head, “what made you come here with Master 2?”

  P6 remained silent.

  P3 exhaled through his nose, a small, understanding smile forming. “Alright. No rush.” He leaned back against the railing again. “We’ve all been through something. More or less, we’re all in the same boat. You’ll talk when you’re ready.”

  A moment of silence passed between them, only interrupted by the rustling of the trees.

  P3 then smirked again, shifting his position. “You know, I can tell you can speak, but you’re choosing not to. Let’s just say it feels like I’m giving a monologue here.” He nudged P6 lightly with his elbow. “No rush, but a little talk would be nice.”

  P6 didn’t reply, and before P3 could say anything else, M2’s voice echoed across the orphanage. “Training time.”

  P3 stretched and hopped to his feet. “Alright, time to get moving.” He climbed down the treehouse with practiced ease, landing smoothly on the ground. Looking back up, he grinned. “Since you haven’t spoken to me at all, I’ll leave you to figure out how to get down on your own.” His tone was playful.

  For the first time, a faint grin tugged at P6’s lips. “Hey… thanks for all of that.” He hesitated, then added, “Help me get down.”

  P3 chuckled. “Now that’s what I like to hear.” He gave P6 a few pointers on where to place his hands and feet, offering his hand when needed. With a bit of effort, P6 climbed down safely.

  As they landed on solid ground, M2’s gaze was already fixed on them. Training was about to begin.