A Problem all but Unexpected

It was night, the moon high in the sky, now taking its place as the star of the stage. Being the true point of the night, not much action if any could be seen within the large land of the Aster Grounds. Though, what shows on the outside doesn't reflect all that happens on the inside. Many people were still wide awake, although for different reasons.

In a specific room, two humans sat across each other, only a candle lighting the atmosphere.

"She was just admitted as never seen a girl of her beauty before within the Grounds, I'm sure boss will take a great liking towards her the moment you realize the validity of my statement."

The man sitting opposite to the man who spoke lightly smiled.

"I have not a clue the amount of times you have said this to me. Collecting them like stones loses allure, they are all the same."

The man shook his head confidently as he spoke once more.

"I doubt your experience will be the same with this one boss, this time I can say with confidence."

The man stared at his 'boss', seeing no reaction, he sighed as he spoke.

"I'll let you be the one to decide then, boss. She seemed to walk to the newer grounds building. Though I lost site of her, I am sure that she is a new face around her and maybe new to martial arts. I couldn't sense any aura surrounding her, so I don't believe she is a transfer."

The 'boss' only sat staring at him. It was but another game to win. The ones his lackey has been showing to him were so easy to manipulate, no sense in logic once they know of his status… it takes the fun out of it.

Even so, he had not much to do tomorrow, so stopping for a little game wouldn't hurt, because either way, they were pretty women after all.

***

The sun rose upon the City of the New Moon. The many buildings casted shade in eastern half of the region, allowing breezes of cool winds to make its way around the many corners and edges. The Sky remained a baby blue with no cloud within sight.

As normal, the grounds resumed is daily activities as the grounds portrayed an ant colony with many figures now running around to whatever the day held for them.

While many may stress to maintain their position within the grounds, two males found their free time to be for all but work.

Camping outside the newer grounds residences, the man and 'boss' waited for the girl in question to make her appearance.

And she did.

Though her simple black hair and black eyes held no attraction within themselves, something just couldn't help but attract him. The 'bosses' eyes followed this figure. In his life, this was definitely the most beautiful girl he had seen. So ordinary, but so ethereal.

But as she came into view, another male walked beside her. Though he didn't have nearly as much appeal, so he disregarded him. That, pairing with the fact that absolutely no aura excluded from him only proved that he hadn't even started the path of martial arts.

Looking to his servant next to him, he pointed.

"Go get that boy away from her"

The 'servant' immediately nodded, calmly walking in their direction.

***

Jilun was informed that Instructor Fengge would meet him early morning to discuss his future for what could be the next few years. Of course, it was only natural that Jia accompanied him. Jilun felt that she would especially have martial talent with the amount of strength she possessed without temperament.

Jilun was personally also excited. Growing up in a working and only working environment, while there were definitely leisure activities, none the such as established paths. Most in the village of Quadal also grew up the same, making trips to the cities were almost nonexistent, and with this, the experience. So besides the basics, really no other skills were taught. Of course, Old Gi had told him about martial arts that he had seen at the martial grounds, but words and experience are two completely different things.

Martial Arts was something that everyone knew existed, but equally not as many knew how do to, or even what an expert within the arts could do. As such, this would be a great opportunity for Jilun to learn for not only self benefit, but as a personal experience outside what the usual was for him.

But just as he was processing thoughts of the possible future, another male, maybe a couple years older than him, approached him.

He had black hair and dull silver eyes. With a tall figure and broad shoulders, his body wore the standard robes of the grounds, clearly indicating he was a disciple.

He was sure that he hadn't seen this person before, and they certainly couldn't have seen him as he had just arrived here.

Old Gi had told him that Jia would be the only person that he could truly trust within the city, and that very few, much like Fengge, had, if any, good intentions. So immediately, Jilun assumed the worst as the stranger approached.

"Hey! You seem new around here?"

This was a normal question, so Jilun normally responded. Of course, just because a person couldn't be trusted doesn't warrant their mistreatment.

"I am" Jilun calmly replied in a neutral tone.

The stranger was offly intimate, wrapping his arm around Jilun's shoulder, locking Jilun next to him with a sort of hug.

"I would be glad to show you around"

Althogh Jilun was at the back of his mind, glad to talk to another boy his age, the stranger's intimacy weirded him out. Were boys supposed to be this touchy?

But before Jilun could voice his rejection, the stranger started walking, forcing Jilun to walk with him. Jilun immediately noticed the stranger's immense strength. As soon as he noticed this, he realized he could no longer talk, almost as if he lost control of his muscles within his head. It seemed that his body itself was in a state of fear, though his thoughts remained clear.

Jia saw the situation as her eyes darkened, hastily walking up to the stranger before a hand was placed onto her shoulder.

"I could give you whatever he promised you, but better."

Jia turned around, her eyes staring into the 'bosses' soul.

He froze.