SOML – Chapter 4: Story of a tree

Chapter 4 – Story of a tree

…

The teacher gave off scholarly appearance as he walked with grace towards the front. He looked young, around twenties, but he gave a mature vibe. This was contrary to the stories and rumors between their parents and the neighbors. They said he was hundred years old. Yet, the only thing looked old about him was his hair, resembling a white waterfall flowing above his shoulders.

He had a single hair lock in front of his face, swinging with little distance. His eyes were deep, like the abyss. It wasn’t piercing or threatening, but anyone who looked straight at his eyes became quiet. He wore a white long coat with grey-color layering in his sleeves. He was tidy and neat. His right hand clung to a book like iron grips, as if it was the most precious thing in his world. He measured his steps, precise and light, as if walking on a very narrow road or balancing on a tightrope.

There was no overpowering aura that they imagined nor phenomenon that stories told about strong people. Nonetheless, there was about him that was hard to describe. And in the children’s view, he was not simple at all.

He glanced around at the students and spoke. “Let’s do the attendance for the starters.” His voice was sonorous and echoed loud enough for everyone to break from their thoughts. The teacher started enumerating the names one by one.

“Ben Horizon.”

“Present!” shouted by Ben, who sat in the aisle of the second row. He was nine-year-old this year, wearing his new yellow t-shirt and black shorts with cool design. He got it from one of the aunties’ son, his old clothes. Excitement painted his face, and he looked very attentive. He had a cheeky grin on his face, but he didn’t look overly mischievous.

“Sarah Pendragon.”

“Present.” Snarled by the girl in the pink dress. She had red hair, pink lips and watery black eyes, and she was sitting at the back. She was almost nine-year-old this year. But because of her training and early education, she looked more mature than her actual age.  Underneath the exterior of the cute pink dress and her appearance, her muscles were maturing, thus she was very fit and looked nimble like a cat. She was the only one unperturbed by the appearance of her teacher. She’d seen many people who have a towering aura or strange disposition that she was used to it. So, she glanced around, like a crane lifting its proud head amidst the chickens, though because of her pink dress, it instead gave more of a sweet appearance.

“Jed Moonsear.”

“Present.” Muttered by a ten-year-old boy in the last sit of the third row. He had black hair and ink black eyes, wearing a green-colored coat and grey shorts. It was a hurry but he spent his remaining time to buy clothes. He bowed his head where he sat.

The roll call went on until he called all the fifteen students. Some were chubby like Ben; sweet and cute looking like Sarah; or like Jed, timid. But there were also others who were bored or energetic. Still, they made the solemn building more vibrant.

The teacher looked around the class. He was emotionless, and it was very hard to fathom his mind. They didn’t know that aside from Sarah, they were already being judged by him as unpromising. But he also knew that talent doesn’t mean everything; it only gave one a head-start than others.

“The first lesson you will learn from this class is actually a story.” He paused before he continued with a peaceful voice. “Once upon a time, a farmer bought a new seed. He planted it on his lands and believes that it will be worth more than his earlier trades.”

Their expression was quizzical. They thought he would teach exceptional moves or theories about how to be strong. Only the school had these aside from well-off families. But to think he will start with a story and a farmer at that! If he brought the legends or the history of Mortal Lands, they might be interested. In their minds, you don’t get excited about farmers.

The teacher continued as if he didn’t see the incredulous looks he was getting. “After thirty-three days of nonstop grooming and watering, the seed had grown to plants so abundant that they covered his entire lands. Unfortunately, these plants didn’t bore any kind of fruit. So, he had nothing to sell.”

“The next day, he bought another seed. He thought, he will strike gold this time. After another thirty-three days, only weeds grew!”

“As for those plants before, they withered because of stolen nutrition. After that, the farmer grimace but still continued to buy another seed.”

“This time the seed have grown into a large tree after thirty-three weeks. Just like the first two incidents, it doesn’t have fruit either. So, in his disappointment, he sat beside the tree and spoke towards it.”

“If only you can give me something, it will all be worth it. He sighed.”

“The entire village jeered at him from his nonsensical actions. They look at the sole tree with bountiful weeds around it, standing like a sore thumb amidst the vast farmlands.”

“But after the next day, soon, a giant storm engulfs his village. It continued raining until two days later, a flood came flashing. The village has nowhere to hide. Their huts will not withstand the incoming water. So, these people couldn’t help but seek protection by using the tree. But the tree is only so much big, how can it carry so many people?”

The teacher ended the story. With a bland voice, he asked. “What do you think the farmer did?”

Hundred years later, the story finished. It was the first time they heard it, so they still listened. But to think it would end with a question. The children had varying expressions - pouting, frowning, fiddling their clothes or looking at the window. But the teacher continued staring at them, having a lot of time.

Hearing his story, Sarah was finding it difficult to listen. The more she heard, the more frustrated she became. We went here to learn for Pete’s sake.

“How could Dad be friends with this guy? A training freak with a boring old man? Well, thinking about it, that seems correct! Both of them combine is a Vinegar Urn!”

After a long time, seeing nobody wanted to answer, Sarah harrumphed. She cocked her red head. “The farmer only helps a few of the villagers.”

“Why?”

“Because, if not, the tree won’t be able to carry them and instead they will all drown in the flood.” Her gaze was spicy, looking ready to lunge at him.

“Oh?”

But the teacher was blank as a sheet, emotionless and still acting nonchalant, neither agreeing nor correcting her words. He nodded and looked at each child. Seeing his nonchalance, Sarah’s teeth clattered from grinding.

“Maybe he didn’t save anyone; after all, they jeered at him.” One boy, seeing Sarah answering, got confidence from nowhere.

A girl interrupted him. “That’s impossible. How can he be so cruel?”

“He might’ve chosen to save a few people before leaving others in their own fate.” One boy with lazy voice hooted his own version.

“Maybe he helps all of them. He might let all of them climb the tree.” Another girl with blue eyes answered while fixing her eye glasses.

“You see, people are greedy. It is only because we are bounded with morality and terribly blessed that it doesn’t happen on us.”

“I think you just read so many stories. People can’t be that bad.”

One after another, children forgot their nervousness and answered. They ended up debating. They were at the age of wanting to compete and impress others. This time, the one they wanted to impress was their teacher. They wanted to be recognized. It was more fun this way than hearing the story, anyway. So, it didn’t die down but continued to intensify. Ben joined the fun. He said the man drank the flood. It made everyone looked at him with strange eyes.

The teacher shook his head. They were still children, he thought. It was time to end the class.

But before he could say anything, a timid voice sounded.

“The farmer did nothing but said to believe.” It wasn’t long when the ruckus covered the voice. But to the teacher, he heard it loud and clear. He stared at the bowing figure of Jed.

Interesting, the teacher thought.

 “Why would you say that?”

All students stopped, quieted down and stared at their teacher who opened his mouth before turning towards where his gaze at.

Jed gulped and fidgeted. He felt like a rabbit eyed by predators. But even so, he gritted his teeth after seeing his teacher encouraging look.

“Th-The farmer did nothing. He just said to believe in the tree. He took the lead in climbing. Though dubious, all the villagers climb the tree. But the tree didn’t fall. It stood tall against the raging flood.”

“They will think how it can bear such weight while withstanding this force. I think about the time the seed grew into a tree; it had stolen no nutrients from the weeds, unlike what the weeds did to the first plant. So, I think the tree is strong. The farmer must’ve noticed it too.” The boy pursed his lips and his eyes darting on the ground. His hair fell on his face, hiding him and felt a slight safety because of it.

The teacher nodded. “You have very definitive guess about the tree. All of your classmates’ answer is almost the same as you or different.”

“The only difference is that you see and give details about the tree. But what is interesting is you use belief, which is sound more unrealistic than their answers.” Jed’s heartbeat rose.

“I can agree or against, that he believed on each seed.” The teacher clapped, catching everyone's attention. He tried to mince his following words as much as possible. Jed sighed in relief because of this.

“They don’t bore fruit, but their worth is something else. Everything in this world has its own worth, correct?”

“Likewise, their worthiness can only be seen in different scenario so believing in it is pretty far-fetched. It is like hoping a sand castle not to collapse.” One of his hand compassed, as if drawing a castle in the air. It was vivid that the children thought they saw something. A castle.

“So, although the story might be simple but there are more implications on it. Think and dig more. Let it be your takeaways for today.”

“Oh, you can use the library to look for arts to train. The training and resting room is also accessible if you need it.” The teacher smiled somewhat and took a long pause as he scrutinized each children’s expression before exiting the room.

After seeing their teacher left the room, Sarah scoffed. What an irresponsible teacher! And thinking about it, he didn’t even leave his name! She thought. Though, she knew his name because of her father, but wasn’t the custom to tell your name first? Yet he started telling some bull crap story. What can you expect from a kid?

Sarah fumed, and eyes enlarged as she glared at the back of her teacher’s head. Feeling spicy, she didn’t make a move after a few minutes. At last, she breathed. “Uninteresting, I will call you Silver Plate then.”

The girl dashed to the exit. She even overtook the teacher and gave him a fierce look. She saw her carriage in the corner. Entering, she made a ruckus and ordered to go home immediately.

“I won’t go back here anymore!” Bang. The door closed.

Along the way, ghostly silence permeated the whole carriage except for the clatter of the hooves and the clucking of the wheels. Suddenly, the window of the carriage flapped open and Sarah leaned on the window, her expression undecipherable. She looked at the blurry figures on the pedestrian.

She ordered her driver. “Let’s go to my Mom’s instead.” Her eyes were doleful.

…

Jigen Blue loved nothing but to stare in the blue sky. He liked the way the cloud adrift or how they form in interesting shapes and sizes. He also liked to lean on the roots of the tree and under its shade, like a free-spirited fairy. But he also like playing. Of course, he was talking about everything considered indoors. There were few could make him interested. For him, the most magical invention was inventing the cards.

Hailing from a clan, silver and gold paved his path. So, he thought to wised up and not exceeded the expectations of his clan. He was in school for that reason. Just go with the flow. That’s what he ought to do.

Today, the teacher started talking about some farmer. It didn’t interest him a bit, but that boy Jed amused him. He also noted the details in the story. He tried to use metaphors, mnemonics, checking the story’s structure, strong people’s origin story, etc., if there’s something within the story. And he arrived with the conclusion that the story was a load of crap!

He thought it was not a matter of believing or not believing. It was a matter of life and death. Hence, most people would likely race to protect themselves. A dirtier mind would kill to get on the tree. This was the scientific and logical response, even with the cover of morality.

Another hobby of him was taking notes of other’s identity. It didn’t matter if it was an identity of an animal or name of a shop, he would always try to remember it. His laziness gave him more time to see people, places and things. He kept himself detached from the most. But this didn’t mean he didn’t like to make friends. He liked friends, especially those shy, easy and bullyable friends.

They have other kids in his clan, older or younger. But more often than not, they were smarter than him. And there were several kids who were smart as him outside of the clan. Cough, he was positive he was smart. It was the children of the clans have better education and training. In short, there was no one he could take advantage. So, who’s going to bully who?

With eyes shining, Jigen went towards Jed after the class ended.

Jed was already preparing to go home when Jigen sat beside the former. The latter rested his chin above his hands and leaned on the armchair. “Sup! I’m Jigen. You are Jed, right? How did you come up with that answer?”

Jed looked at Jigen, wondering why the boy approached him. This led him startled as a bird, almost threw his already dying ballpen. He looked sideways, but seeing the other guy looking straight at him, he answered. “My father said better not quick to judge but to look at the details of the story.” Well, he just read it from the book, Roland’s Adventure. But he didn’t want to look like a nerd, so he passed it to his father instead. He didn’t know the other guy liked nerds the most.

“Hmm. Even though I don’t get it, but I think what you said is amazing. You must be new here. Where are you from?” Jigen expected. Children like to be praised, right? Right?

“I’m from County of Mountains.” Jed’s eyes darted. He was nervous, but the other guy started it. He didn’t want to let this chance slipped from his hands. Pressing his lips first, then he answered.

Jigen thought about every county in the Eastern Region. He could not recall such a name. “You are very smart. If you are not busy, let’s play.” Jigen beamed. Then he waved his chubby paws in front of Jed. Yep, let’s continue to praise him.

In response, Jed only smiled thin lips. “I can try get information about the clans, the market and the county lord in the county. But how can I make him talk? Err, no, how can I talk to him out of it?” Jed thought to himself.

He still felt shy and awkward about everything. But he’d already promise earlier not to be shy again. He had the opportunity in front of him and he needed to grab it. Also, in his plan, he should go to the library. Jed could only change his plan and go tomorrow.

The two stood up and began walking to the exit. Then a scoff emerged from their side. They saw Sarah passing them. They also saw the girl making a face with the teacher, making Jed quite speechless.

As if he was seeing what was in Jed’s mind, Jigen disclosed. “Well, that girl is the genius of legendary Pendragon Clan. So, she is arrogant. But she’s not bad either. She won’t bully you or anything.” Jigen patted him. Although his words sound reassuring, his strange expression proved otherwise. It expressed gloating of someone’s misfortune.

Jed only blinked in response.

…

After the class, most students went to their respective homes. Only a few wandered around the grounds. Those had left welcomed their time away from school. Disappointment met them when they went in, unlike what they expected from the school. They thought, they’ll learn how to use flashy and strong moves or meditate like monks. Yet, they were told a boring story. They wanted to ask the other older kids who already graduated why they didn’t tell them this would happen.

Ben was one of the few who stayed. He wanted for everyone to leave so he could check the dungeon-like stairs he saw earlier. Ben thought he had ample to time to appreciate and investigate the whole school grounds. So, he began looking around to kill time. He thought, this school must have something extraordinary herb if eaten, might give him exponential strength! Look at how wide the school yards. There were sorts of plants in there. Or maybe he could meet a master that would notice his talents. Hehehe.

While Ben was imagining with himself, a lot of time passed by. By now, everyone had already left. The only thing made him scratched his head was the sun’s color. It was orange.

He needed to work in the market. But seeing this late, he would pass by later on and explain himself. Thus, without further ado, Ben sprinted towards the stairs and up to the library.

This time, Ben became speechless and determined to wipe his eyes. Yet, the large word ‘Library’ was still there.  Ben wanted to cry, but no tears came out.  The boy judged the library in his head. He thought about arithmetic, engineering, science, agriculture, so on and so forth. Imagining the string of numbers and terms made him dizzy.

Jeez, he liked to read in leisure—like novels and stuff. Of course, hearing stories from someone was better. After all, reading was quite boring too. Anyway, he was not into science. He knew himself. He was not a genius. Yes, he was strong. His strength came from being able to take a beating. But he didn’t know how to throw a punch, or if there was a right way of punching. All he knew that all the older kids in his neighbor could wipe the floor out of him. Thankfully, his body was tough.

No one bullied him as his neighbors were nice. He just envied how nimble his neighbors were. He saw them sparring a few times. They were fast. Their moves were snappy. And the way they attack were breathtaking.

Sighing, he looked again at the room. He saw the door ajar. This time, he saw a wooden slab erected beside it.  The hall was fascinating while the classroom was honest. But one thing they had in common was their clean look. Only this slab appeared worn out. Looking close, there were scribbles on it.

The Library.

For the great and sad things to reminisce.

Reminding the people of the path we’ve taken.

‒ Morning Star

When he read the name Morning Star, he got an illusion that he was looking at the brightest star he had seen in his life. The star was so bright that it could envelope everything in the entire world. All colors vanished until the color of utmost white remained. But the illusion also vanished, as if everything was a lie.

“Huff, huff, huff.”

Ben’s breath became haggard, but his eyes showed excitement. “This is… I found a treasure!”

He became agitated and his eyes went red. Rushing inside, he saw the wide and tall shelves and the countless of books in it. Ben’s lips twitched. Where shall I start? He felt helpless, but this didn’t diminish his intense urge.

The library looked unadorned. There were scant number of webs and dust around. There were barely molds in the wood and most of them maintained their pristine condition. The ventilation was quite nice too even though there was no window around, the air felt fresh and aromatic like fragrant flower and smell of nature. The floor was wooden planks which gave creaking sounds when stepped on but still pleasing because of its natural shine, texture and natural design.

Ben wasn’t disappointed. Even with the boring class before, he wasn’t daunted because he knew adults have their way of teaching them. Some gave simplest illustrations while others made it complicated. It may look like he was incompetent to other kids, but to Ben, he was remarkable.

“There is something here hidden by its appearance. Just looked at teacher’s seemingly ordinary appearance yet still have the imposing halo around him. And, so what if he didn’t teach awesome technique or moves the first day? Sooner he will teach us anyway so what’s the rush? We still learn from his stories. Really…” Ben didn’t know if he learned something from the story but coupled with the fact, he saw the illusion before, he knew that the teacher and the entire school was mystical.

He took his time looking at each shelf. Most of the books were really about science and technology. Ben cringed but he still took time reading the titles. If he saw something different, he will immediately open it. Only to see about science again though. There was a philosophy of cooking too that tempted Ben to read.

After a long time, he arrived in very corner of the library. In there, a smaller shelf stood out. There was apparent molding on it than other shelves. And the books it had also look more worn out and even have animal’s fur as cover. Seeing this, Ben cringed even more that his nose and mouth crooked like shrimp at the same time. He thought about astronomy, magic tricks, divination and other ancient stuffs.

“Don’t tell me it is about history?” Ben made a face of wanting to cry or laugh, but he still picked one book.

“Basic Hope Combat Arts?” Ben blinked, confused, awkward, and picked another one.

“Dual Boxing Movements.”

“Villager’s Kick Combat Arts.”

“The Art of Grappling.”

“…”

Ben picked everything as he read each title. Ben didn’t know how to become strong. Even though the books talked about moves, he didn’t understand, much less recognize it.

It was only until the last book that picked his taste.

“Transcendence.”

Bam. Just the name alone was overbearing enough. His heart beat faster and his throat became dry. Gulp. He didn’t know why he was expecting so much when he read the title. But it hooked him.

So, he flipped the cover with haste. Then he was dumbfounded.

“This book is the brief history of the greatest people of Mortal Lands. Any person mentioned in this book is a transcended being. Reading this must come from your heart. Failure means nothing. Understanding means achievement. But reminders, you need to have a strong heart to finish this book.”

Ben was speechless. History! It was really a history book! So much for his dreamt powerful book!  

Nevertheless, he came to terms that he wouldn’t be so lucky. Anyway, it was still quite a treasure. A book recording of prominent people, the wealth of knowledge was still great value. Ben rolled his eyes from excessive cringing.

The boy calmed himself. He then flipped the first page.

Boom.

A bomb exploded inside his brain, but he failed to notice this because he saw an outstanding sight.

He saw a woman standing on a large red mound. Her flaming red hair fluttered along the breeze. But ghastly scream and thick rusty odor accompanied this air. She wore a rustic armor, a helmet in right hand, a sword sheathed in her left side and a small shield in her left hand. A red flag was braving the wind behind her back. The equipment looked unsophisticated in parts, but in her hands they became extraordinary.

She stood there, facing the horde of terrifying beings. Her face was not visible because her back faced his but without a doubt; she was a city toppling beauty. However, upfront, blinding bright golden and red lights were shooting from her eyes. Her red cherry lips turned into a curve.

Ben saw the thousands of people standing behind her. They didn’t look much, but facing the terrifying sight, they didn’t back down. All because she was standing there.

Then, he heard a voice, seemingly near yet so far.

“She is the First Undying of Mortal Lands.”

“She wore her trusted armor, wielded her rusty sword, a half-crooked shield on her left, and a flag waving alongside her as she wages wars in all front, acting as the vanguard.”

“Fire blazed on her steps; rocks scattered like fireworks in her wake. She is like the first sunlight of Dawn!”

“Dazzling and bright.”

“She was covered in blood, by her enemy’s, friends’ and her own.”

“But her eyes show splendor like never before!”

“She paved the path for victory! The first protector of humanity, the beacon of hope and the path finder. She bore the first torch of humanity, its first Hope in the never-ending struggle for survival!”

“Her name is Lumina!”

Bright lights converged until it formed into words: Undying Torch-Bearer Lumina.

These words calmly suspended in air. They glittered before imprinting itself to the page.

A man appeared beside the enthralled boy without a noise. He admired the boy. Without drastic experience in life, it would be hard to read that book. He needed a strong heart to read it. To think of a ten-year-old boy able to read that book, even though it was only the second page, it was already remarkable given his age. A while later he coughed.

The soft sound awoken Ben. He looked at the teacher beside him.

“Hello Teacher. I’m sorry to intrude on this place. Hehehe.” With a cheeky grin, Ben greeted the man.

“You don’t look sorry at all. Everything here is free, so you don’t need to be sorry.” The teacher’s eyes had a hint of amusement. “Did you see her?”

“Yes.” Ben was fervent. “What is she…” Still entranced by the realistic illusion.

“That being is a Transcendent.” The teacher replied. He fingered his hair lock and fixed the book in his armpit.

“A Transcendent?” Ben repeated the word, imprinting it into his mind.

“Yes, someone whom has reached the pinnacle of this world.” This time the teacher showed respect for a second.

“You need to have stronger heart to open the succeeding pages. That book has thirty-six pages aside from the first page. It records the thirty-sixth most amazing Transcendent ever existed.” The teacher tosses a book with a leather cover. “Take this.”

“Anito Foundation Arts?” the boy inquired.

“Hm. For the heart.” The older man pointed to his left chest. “Go home now.”

“Okay teacher.” Ben glimpsed around the smaller shelf for the last time before exiting the library.

…

Chapter 3 | Chapter 5