From what Siyash had learnt martial artists didn't interfere with human affairs. It was only the officials or those who were angered that would intervene, and that made the recent attacks confuse him.
"I'm just as confused as you," Claus replied with a sigh.
"A lot of strange things have been happening recently, although the Flaming dragon controls this area, it's almost impossible to keep watch on everything."
"I know you want answers, eventually, they will reveal themselves, but don't even think of revenge."
"A mere human like you won't stand a chance against a rank one martial artist and you have a sister who depends on you," Claus advised.
'Why would I seek revenge for what's not my business, I only want revenge on the Grand Magus, those idiots who sent me here.' Siyash thought.
Claus was already at the doorway, making it clear that he was late to wherever he had to be, and Siyash didn't throw any more questions. He could save them for next time.
Siyash made his way to Mr Zhang and there at the temple, he was introduced to the other kids.
One stood out to him, a dark skin, curly haired boy with a carefree smile named Halls. He seemed happy to be surrounded by companions.
Then two boys, one with a handsome young face and a good build, named Kun, who was annoyed and grumpy for being summoned.
To his side were identical twins, female and male named Dash and Bash. They were the exact opposite of Kun.
The rest of the kids were younger and they welcomed Pippin and Siyash with delightful waves and smiles.
When the introduction was over, everyone was assigned tasks by Mr Zhang. Pippin was paired with the twins, and they set off to clean the ornaments.
Siyash was instructed to assist Halls in the kitchen.
The kitchen was spacious, looking like a canteen meant to serve hundreds, he glanced around the space, then his attention was drawn to a 'plop' sound at the far end.
It was Halls who slammed a large bag of potatoes on the table, and smiled as Siyash looked at him.
"Okay, watch what I'll do and I'm sure you'll grab it." Halls smiled
They washed and peeled the potatoes, tossing them into another basket. Halls was amazed as he observed Siyash.
"Man, where'd you learn to peel like that? You handle the knife so smoothly!" Halls inquired.
"I've been cooking for ages, I lived alone for a while. So yeah." Siyash replied.
"What do you mean by ages? Aren't we the same age? Were you cooking immediately when you were born?" Halls teased jokingly while they continued their work.
Siyash realized he had answered unconsciously and that would have exposed him. But being a kid it seemed normal to joke around.
"I'm sure it must have been rough for you too. Don't worry, everyone here has been through hard stuff. Don't stress about it, we're in a better place." Halls assured.
Siyash recalled Claus saying something similar, he was safe here because of Mr Zhang.
"Is it because of Mr Zhang? Is he a martial artist too?" Siyash asked, intending to understand his environment.
"What?" Halls scoffed, "You just arrived anyway so you haven't heard it." Halls looked around to make sure no one was eavesdropping before he continued.
"Rumors say Mr Zhang used to teach at the Martial arts academy."
"There's a Martial arts academy?" Siyash responded, since Claus didn't mention that, it came as a surprise.
But he didn't need to because Siyash wasn't on the Martial path.
Halls dropped the potato he was peeling from shock, before it touched the ground he kicked it back into his hand.
"Have you been living under a rock? Everyone knows about the academy."
Siyash rubbed his head.
"Something… happened to me before I arrived, I don't have any memories," Siyash responded, with a bitter face, making it look like a painful subject, so he would avoid more questions.
"Please tell me about the academy."
Halls smiled, it seemed like a topic that he enjoyed, so he placed the potato down and explained away.
"The Martial Arts Academy is a place where legends are made in this world." Halls explained. "Every faction has one, including the dark faction here, it's a school funded by all the clans in the faction."
"It started as a way for the clans to create good fighters, and it was successful, so they continued."
"Clan members send their children to the academy, but it's also open to those who don't belong to any clan, like a stepping stone into the world of martial arts."
"And when you graduate, clans will be willing to take you in."
"It's not a must to join the academy to become a martial artist, but for those like us without a clan backing and access to cultivation techniques, it's the only path to becoming a Martial artist!"
Hall's voice quivered with excitement.
The martial arts academy reminded Siyash of the Mage academy, when he lacked talent but proved everyone wrong, and despite never being a student, he secured a respected position in the academy.
"However, not everyone can join the academy, you must be able to cultivate your Qi and demonstrate a rank one basic skill to their standards."
The terms sounded strange to Siyash, Qi, and Basic skills, and Siyash doubted Halls could explain them, so it would be better if he learned the information from books.
"That's why we are lucky to have Mr Zhang, he teaches us for an hour every day, and because of that we have a chance to become Martial artists." Halls smiled.
Siyash observed his hand as he clenched it into a fist. He had harmed many with magic but never used his fist to kill.
Then memories of the assassin he killed flashed in his mind, he had used his hands back then.
'I guess he was the first. I wonder if I can perform martial arts. I guess I'll find out soon.'