Disciple

After knowing that Shams could fluently speak…

Each disciple was indeed astonished by the revelation of their master that the youngest disciple in their school could fluently speak and read books.

Despite all this, everyone still treated Shams like a toddler.

Shams was still being accompanied by the younger ones since most of the time they are tasked to look after him

While the {Senior-Ranked} & {Junior-Ranked} disciples were training with such an intense level of discipline and rigorous program set by Master Wushu himself.

Master Wushu is carefully observing every movement of the disciples that are currently training at the courtyard.

At the same time, he could see the overview of the younger ones with Shams who are all in the library reading and studying their lessons.

[-In the Library-]

A loud sound of chants could be heard from the library where the younger ones are reading and studying the lessons given by Master Wushu.

Among the young disciples, Shams was the most serious and engrossed in reading about cultivation and cultivators.

*** Book of Cultivation ***

…

Cultivation is the path towards immortality and the highest attainment of power which is being a God-Emperor. It is the process in which power and strength are developed. The longevity and improvement of health are also necessary for accomplishing such features. Thus the cultivating of Ki and training in martial & mystical arts have become significant in attaining the ultimate goal.

Those who intend to follow such a path are called Cultivators.

Many of them develop such unique discipline and vary in power, strength, and belief system.

…

*** Book of Cultivation ***

Shams was interrupted in his reading by Hawks who could not contain his curiosity.

He has been trying to contain his patience but he had his limits.

"Hey, Little Ryoku! When did you start talking? Were you acting all this time with us? Acting and pretending to baby talk." Hawks directly asked Shams without any hesitations.

The others were curious as well.

Even Maya has stopped reading just to hear Shams' explanation from Hawks' query.

As they wait for Shams' response, it dawned on Shams while he looks at the anticipation of the others for his answer that he needs to apologize for not being honest with those who cared for him.

They deserved an explanation and an apology.

"First of all, I apologize for not being honest!" Shams performed a formal bow with the proper gesture to exhibit the sincerity of his apology.

He then continued, "Second, for your first question, I started to talk fluently the day after reading the book about language. While everyone was asleep, I started to try mumbling words and learn different vocabularies for communication that night." Shams explicitly explained.

Whispering and gasping sounds could be heard since it is very impressive to hear that a toddler could learn how to speak overnight.

Before even someone could speak and for Hawks to reply from Shams' elaborate explanation.

The youngest disciple of Master Wushu expressed his own fears, "I guess I was just afraid that you will treat me differently or worst, bully me if I show any oddities that may cause too extraordinary. I just do not want to lose any of you."

Hawks coughed trying to hide his emotions from Shams.

They could see Shams lowering his head from sincere reflecting of his own actions.

"Why would you think that way? We will accept the way you are. Running around like a beast, climbing the bookshelves like a monkey and you eating more food than Billy could do. I think you were already showing so many oddities. Being able to talk fluently at such a young age is no longer surprising for me." Hawks telling Shams while the others laughed at Hawks' words.

"Hey! What you mean eating more food than I do?" Billy demanded a clarification from Hawks.

Everyone laughed again.

Maya approached Shams and hugged him, "Do not ever fear to be who you are. Be true to yourself! Always remember, we are a family here! We accept each other!"

Indeed Hawks was like a leader amongst the younger ones. His words were enough to show that it was not a big deal at all and everything was all forgiven.

What they do not know, Master Wushu was listening the entire time.

A smile formed in his face knowing that the younger ones have accepted Shams completely and for Shams to express his true feelings.

Humility and sincerity are two of the many qualities that Master Wushu wanted to engrave in the moral values of his disciples.

For it is important for oneself to have such good character in the path of attaining the ultimate power.

…

…

…

Morning passed,

One of the {Junior-Ranked} disciples entered the library seeing everyone immersed in reading and studying while others reaching for books on the shelves.

"Wow! Am I really seeing this? All of you being quiet and reading earnestly."

"Hey there, Reema!" Billy exclaimed with so much energy.

He is waving at Reema in such excitement.

"Master Wushu asked us to buy some stuff at the town. Anyone interested to come along?" Reema offered a gesture of invitation.

"Will I get some treats if I do come along?" curiously asked by Billy.

"Of course! Who else wants to come along?" Reema asking for the last time.

"Oh well, let me join as well. I think I need to check some personal stuff." Maya expressed her interest as well.

'Oooh! It will be a good idea to look around and survey the surroundings of this new world.' Shams thought internally.

"How about me?" Shams raising his hand too.

"Oh, little Ryoku! I am sorry but Master Wushu will not allow us to bring you with us. You are still too young to wander outside the school. Master strictly reminded us not to let you step outside the school." Reema regretfully informed Shams about the strict reminder of their master.

"That means, Hawks, you will be assigned with looking after little Ryoku then." Maya reminded Hawks about looking after Shams.

"Whatever, just go! I will just stay with this little monster." Hawks' response towards Maya.

As they leave one by one, Hawks and Shams were left by themselves.

…

"Hawks, can I get some books about meditation and about the difference between mythical and wild beasts?" Shams asked Hawks with such innocent eyes.

"Hmm, I think it's supposed to be on the corner aisle. You stay here!" Hawks said.

Hawks went to fetch for the books requested by Shams.

Then as he checks on the book, a realization came into Hawks' mind.

'Why would little Ryoku need for the book regarding mythical and wild beasts if he already read them a while ago?'

He immediately ran to check on Shams but he was already gone.

"That little monster! Ugh!" uttered by Hawks.