There were a total of six special techniques within the village — five belonging to the elders and one reserved for the Village Chief himself.
The First Elder's technique was known as "Zone", It heightened all five senses to their absolute peak. When activated, one could see distant movements with sharp clarity, hear faint sounds from afar, and even distinguish the subtlest of scents. Mostly it was used to gather information about the enemy, as it could help track their moments and their location even secret hideout could be found out using smell.
The Second Elder's technique was called "Flash" it granted the user extreme agility. Their limbs would move with incredible speed, turning their body into a blur. Attacks became unpredictable and near-impossible to block — as if the user vanished and reappeared with every motion. As for why Vayu could see Shen's attacks because he himself trained in Overdrive. Which provided even greater speed, so his eyes got adjusted to that speed, that was the only reason he could see Shen's attacks.
The Third Elder's technique was known as "Surge" It focused on strengthening the muscles and enhancing physical endurance. When used, one's strength would multiply, their body becoming capable of feats that defied human limits. It was the simplest of all but provided most power and endurance.
The Fourth Elder's technique was called "Boneless Art" it allowed complete control over one's joints and body flexibility. By dislocating or twisting their limbs freely, the user could perform inhuman movements — evading attacks that should have been impossible to dodge, or striking from impossible angles.
Lastly, the Fifth Elder's technique was called "Flow". It revolved around body balance and core stability. The technique allowed its user to move in perfect rhythm with nature — absorbing force, redirecting momentum, and maintaining balance even on unstable ground or during combat.
THESE ARE THE FIVE TECHNIQUES
NOW BACK TO PRESENT
That day, Shen became a legend — the youngest to both join and leave the Hunter Squad, and as Vayu had promised to the First Elder, Vayu made his place inside the hunter squad. When the duels ended 1 member of hunter squad came and instructed both Vayu and Aspen to go to the Hunter Squad Office. They were formally welcomed as new members and handed their official gear — a light armor set designed for mobility during hunts, and a request to forge their weapon from cold iron. They were strictly notified to use these weapons only during hunts — never for training or personal fights. Both of them were also assigned a number, each member of hunter received a number, and according to the number they had their seniority decided, Vayu received No. 29, while Aspen was given No. 30 making Vayu as Aspen's senior. In the Hunter Squad, numbers meant everything. Even a single rank difference determined command — the lower the number, the higher the authority and challenges for rank advancement could only be made against those within five numbers above one's own.
That evening, Vayu's father came home carrying a basket full of fresh fruits, smiling from ear to ear. When his wife asked, puzzled, what happened, he couldn't contain his joy "Our son has joined the Hunter Squad!" he said proudly, his eyes gleaming. While he stood smiling with pride, Vayu's mother froze. The color drained from her face. The basket she was holding slipped from her hands, fruits rolling across the floor. By the time Vayu returned home it was dark, he was bandaged and exhausted, she rushed to him. Her eyes were red, her hands trembling as she grabbed his tunic and began slapping his chest "Why… why did you join the Hunter Squad?" she cried, her voice breaking.
"Mother, it hurts…" Vayu hissed, wincing as pain shot through his bruised ribs. Realizing he was injured, she immediately stopped, her anger turning into panic. She helped him to his bed, tears silently falling as she dressed his wounds. For the next few days, she didn't speak to him at all. Every time she looked at him, all she could see was the fear of losing him — just like many others who had never returned from the hunt.
The next day, when Vayu arrived at the First Elder's office, he was surprised to see all five elders already gathered inside — their expressions stern. To his surprise even Shen was there, standing silently with his head lowered. The atmosphere was tense. No one spoke until the First Elder finally broke the silence "Second Elder," her voice was calm, but it carried a weight that filled the entire room, "how could you allow him to use a special technique during the duel? Do you think we will not notice?". The Second Elder immediately stepped forward, bowing deeply "It was all my fault" he said, his tone sincere and desperate. "Please, do not punish him, I was the one who had allowed him to use it, I will guide him better next time "
The First Elder's gaze hardened. "There will be no next time" she said "You understand the consequence. He will not be given any duties. From this day on, he will live as a farmer, away from the Hunter Squad "
Shen's head lifted slightly, eyes wide with disbelief, while the Second Elder suddenly fell to his knees. "Please… I beg you!" he pleaded. "Punish me instead, but don't take away his future!"
Even the First Elder looked startled by the gesture. For a moment, the room was silent again — the other elders exchanging uncertain glances.
Finally, the First Elder exhaled heavily. "Very well" she said. "Shen will serve as your attendant and remain under your wing. His punishment will be training and serving under you"
The Second Elder lowered his head again, relief washing over his face. "Thank you… " as he bowed once again. Shen stood silently beside him, his expression unreadable — shame, regret and gratitude all mixed in his eyes as he realized the depth of his actions. Soon everyone left, the First Elder called Vayu to stay behind. When they spoke, her tone was soft — a rare warmth in her voice. She looked at him with pride.
"You did well, Vayu," she said, a faint smile on her face "Even when things turned against you, you didn't lose your composure, you will become a great fighter" Hearing those words made Vayu's chest tighten. For the first time, he felt that his effort had been seen. They talked for a while longer. She asked about his injuries, gave him a few words of advice and reminded him to rest properly before returning to training. Afterward, Vayu bowed respectfully and left the chamber. The walk towards his home felt longer than usual, everything felt slow to him, Vayu felt very happy inside.
Soon, the day came for Vayu to leave with the hunter squad. His wounds had mostly healed, his uniform now carried the insignia of the Hunter Squad. As he stepped out of his room, ready to depart he saw his mother standing silently at the door. Her eyes were red, as if she had been crying all night.
"Can you not go, son?" she asked softly, her voice trembling.
Vayu paused, looking at her. "Don't worry, mother I'll take care of myself" he said, forcing a small smile.
"Then stay here with me," she pleaded, her hand clutching the edge of his tunic.
Before Vayu could reply, his father stepped forward from behind her. "He can't stay here forever, you have to let him go" he said, then looking towards Vayu, he added, " I'll keep an eye on him" he said, placing a hand gently on his wife's shoulder.
Tears welled up in her eyes again, but this time she didn't stop him. Vayu hugged his mother, took one last look at her and began walking down the path.