Ben was coming back to the camp. On the way he saw Mahaansh and Vishok with Azurban standing with their arms crossed, except Azurban who was on all fours. But even he had a sarcastic expression.
Vishok: (imitating Ben)Oh sorry… ah , ah, we are here from the military and ah… we have military clearance as well.
Mahaansh: (poorly imitating Ben) Ok...my name is Benjamin John. Nice to meet you. I…will be going then. See you around.
Vishok(Turning towards Mahaansh): You suck at this dude. (Then turning to Ben). What did I say boy. Learn from the martial teachings of your teacher, but not from life lessons.
Mahaansh glared at him. He wanted to strangle him but controlled himself in front of his student. "We are going to have a spar after this junior" Mahaansh said with a menacing smile.
Vishok gulped. Mahaansh then looked at Ben and said, "You have no idea who she is do you?" Ben asked, "Is she famous?" Vishok and Mahaansh looked at him.
Vishok said, " She is from the Khrav family dude. What do boys watch now a days? She is a celebrity who became a martial knight at 14. Don't you know?"
Ben thought for some time and then said " Ah, I remember, the family full of swordsmen."
Vishok said " Ok you at least know that. That girl is the granddaughter of a martial Entity, who is probably the one who will inherit the Khrav family."
Mahaansh cautiously said, " Boy you better forget about her if you have any ideas. She is way above your league. I don't mean to say this to demean you, but unless you are a genius who can surpass the many proud sons of prestigious families, you don't stand a chance."
Vishok said, "Come on a man ought to dream big. Any way, Ben, don't think she is alone here. She is protected by 2 Overlords and a Monarch."
Ben did not know what to say. So he just nodded and they went to the camp. They went through plans for the next day and went to sleep. For the first time, Ben saw an array. He asked them about it. Mahaansh said he would explain it later.
The plan for next day was simple. Siege this side of the forest. The two martial lords will control the animals with their aura and will try to confine them in this region. Ben will hunt the agreed upon number of animals, if they act up. Nothing more. Ben was also free to search for materials that can be of benefit to him. As per laws, that was illegal. But this special circumstance lifted this law for the time being, for the individuals registered here. Vishok had more knowledge about the forest. He informed Ben that there are ores, fruits and plants that can fetch high price in the market. He also mentioned about some animal materials that can help him in his martial journey. Mahaansh told Ben that he need to get a martial technique that will cover his weaknesses and compliment his meridian seed. Vishok said he needs to work on his shamanic script and materialize his shamanic beast. But ultimately, they said Ben should make the decision and that they can only guide him and provide relevant information.
Ben could not sleep for some time, because of excitement of coming for his first mission and because of the prospect of getting resources and money. He also wanted to learn martial techniques. Now he had an internal conflict. He did not know if he should focus on the shamanic script or if he should acquire the martial arts. Both had it advantages. If he did not take a proper decision, it might delay his advancement, which Ben did not want.
While thinking of advancement, he thought about Rebecca and about the warnings from Mahaansh and Vishok. 'Just because I am not born in rich family doesn't mean I can't look at a beautiful girl. I will become powerful to stand on top. Well if her character is good, I will seriously consider her. Man I am dreaming too much. Well one thing coincides with both helping my parents and finding my love: Ascension in martial path. That is my life mission. I can't stray from that.'
It took some time for Ben to calm down his thoughts using 'Jamadagni Bhavana'. But he was set on two immediate missions: The forest and the girl.