Another four months passed in relentless training. During that time, Vayu pushed himself harder than ever before. True to her word, the First Elder had begun teaching him personally — though she soon realized there was little left to teach. Vayu learned quickly, absorbing every technique with uncanny precision. All she could do now was help refine his movements, sharpen his instincts, and spar with him correcting his mistakes. Day by day, Vayu improved — until, he could stand toe-to-toe with her in combat. That evening, after another sparring session, both of them stood catching their breath beneath the fading sunlight.
"Elder" Vayu said suddenly, his voice steady "I want to challenge Shen"
The Elder's eyes widened in surprise. For a brief moment, she said nothing — the wooden spear still firm in her grasp.
"You… want to fight Shen?" she asked.
Vayu nodded. "He's the strongest in the Hunter Squad. If I want to grow stronger, I need to fight with the best. If it had been someone else who had been stronger then Shen, I would've chosen him instead"
A faint smile appeared on the Elder's lips. She saw no arrogance in his tone and his eyes were filled with determination.
"When Shen defeated Tarak" she said thoughtfully, "I was deeply impressed by him, I even considered him as a candidate for the position of Chief of our village"
Vayu looked at her, with surprised eyes. "But now" she continued, her eyes softening, "I want you to become our village Chief someday. And I will make sure it happens."
Vayu blinked, taken aback by her words "But… why me, Elder?" he asked quietly.
The Elder stepped closer, resting her hand on his shoulder.
"Because you have what it truly takes to be a Village Chief" she said. "You had risked your life for the villagers — that means you're kind and brave, you are a great fighter — that means you can protect them and I've never once seen hatred or envy in your eyes, That means you'll treat everyone equally those qualities" she smiled, "are what makes you a true leader".
Vayu stood there silently, her words echoing in his mind.
"And as for Shen," the First Elder said, her voice calm "I want you to become a member of Hunter Squad within next ten days, they will return after four days" she notified him.
"Yes, Elder" Vayu replied, his eyes burning with determination.
Two days were still left before the hunter squad came, so Vayu went towards the third elders office to request a duel, he also carried the wooden box filled with the books he had borrowed from the library, it was time to return them as he had learned all the techniques.
He knocked softly.
"Come in" said Third Elder.
Vayu stepped inside, bowed respectfully, and said, "Elder, I wish to join the Hunter Squad."
The Elder looked up from his desk, placing his elbows on the table "Ah… so you're here to ask permission for the duel, aren't you?"
"Yes, Elder" Vayu nodded firmly.
"Very well" the Elder said, leaning back in his chair. "The duel will be held five days from now as they need to rest too after a long journey"
"I understand" replied Vayu
"And remember — you can not choose an injured hunter"
"Yes, Elder" Vayu bowed again, then bent to lift the box of books and stepped out of the office, the crisp air of the training grounds greeted him. He started walking toward the academy's library to return the books when a familiar voice called out.
"Vayu!"
He turned to see Aspen approaching from the opposite side, with a smirk on his face " I bet he was smirking when he was born" thought Vayu.
"Are you getting new books now?" Aspen asked, his tone mocking.
Vayu didn't feel like explaining so he just nodded simply "Something like that" he said softly, then continued walking toward the library.
Aspen watched him go, his smile fading slightly " keep reading those books" he murmured "While I'll soon be standing among the Hunter Squad.
A few minutes later, Aspen arrived at his grandfather's office "Grandfather" Aspen said eagerly, "I want to apply for the Hunter Squad duel, when they come back"
"ok" said his grandfather
"are you not surprised, grandfather"
The Elder raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at his lips. " One of your classmate had already applied for a duel"
"My classmate?" Aspen frowned. "Who? when?"
"Vayu" his grandfather replied.
Aspen froze for a moment. "Vayu…?" he repeated quietly, disbelief flickering in his eyes " I wanted to be the first to challenge the hunter squad" he said angrily
" I can still make that happen" said his grandfather
"no grandfather, I don't want to fight anymore"
"leave it to me and start preparing for the fight"
A day later, an announcement spread through the village like wildfire. In just two days, the Hunter Squad position duels would begin. The matches would take place in the central arena, starting in the afternoon. Two duels were scheduled, the challengers were Aspen and Vayu. Excitement rippled through the villagers as the annual competition was cancelled due to the attack. After two days the hunter squad arrived and the village was filled with excitement and the members of hunter squad were informed that anyone of them could be challenged so take good rest and prepare you weapons.
The day of the challenge arrived.
People started gathering inside the central arena from early morning calming best spots to watch the fights and soon the central arena was filled, villagers crowded around the stone boundary, eager to witness the duels. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement and tension. The five elders sat on the raised platform, their eyes scanning the crowd before the Third Elder stood and spoke.
"Both the challengers come forward"
The two young men, both Aspen and Vayu stepped into the arena, standing side by side under the blazing sun. Their expressions were calm.
The Third Elder looked first toward Aspen asking him first "Aspen, name the hunter you wish to challenge."
Aspen took a breath, his voice steady. "I want to fight Ajay"
A tall man stepped forward from the Hunter Squad. His frame was broad, his stance firm — and like Aspen, he carried two axes across his back. The resemblance between them was uncanny, as if Ajay was Aspen's older brother — same weapon, same build, same wild eyes. The crowd roared with excitement.
Then the Elder turned his gaze toward Vayu "And you, Vayu whom do you wish to challenge?"
Vayu raised his head and said in a low voice "I want to fight Shen" although he had spoke very quietly a hush fell over the arena. Even the Third Elder's composure slipped for a moment. Shen was the village's prodigy, known for his talent, speed, precision, and his relentless hard work, he was the youngest to join the Hunter Squad in the villages history. Shen stepped forward slowly, his expression unreadable. Though calm, his eyes revealed a trace of surprise — and curiosity. The Third Elder nodded, his tone firm as he addressed both sides.
"You will be given one hour to prepare yourself and your weapons. You can bring any weapon of your choice" He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in "No killing is allowed, The fight will continue until one opponent either faints or surrenders"
"yes elder" said Vayu and Aspen at once
The arena fell silent.
Two challengers, Two duels.