Hidden Heir

Episode 1

Nestled against the steep slopes of towering mountains, a young man, appearing to be 25, stood encircled by several figures in the central courtyard of a large building.

His gaze was piercing as he eyed the eight individuals surrounding him, some of whom bore cuts on their arms and legs from the dagger clutched in the youth's hand.

"Hatt...!" a shout erupted from the assailant to his right, who lunged to attack the young man's waist.

Clack..

The youth's elbow clashed with the shin of the advancing attacker, resulting in a sharp noise from the forceful impact.

Both retreated to their original positions, the dagger nearly slipping from the young man's grasp. Yet, through sheer tenacity, he managed to fend off the recent assault.

"Alda, your defense just now was quite sound! You've improved significantly since the previous days," said the attacker, grinning broadly.

Though his words seemed complimentary, the sneer on his face revealed a cruel pleasure in the bloody spectacle.

Despite the wound on his shoulder, he paid it no heed.

"What's the point of my rigorous training if I can't withstand an attack that I've seen time and again?" retorted the youth called by the name Alda.

He was Alda Button, the prodigious offspring of the Button family from the capital city! Exiled here, his identity concealed from the outside world.

Alda had spent a decade at this remote academy, honing his martial arts skills so that he might survive in the secular world with the strength he possessed.

"Enough, all of you rest!" declared an elderly voice, emanating from the doorway of the large building.

"Understood, master...!" they all responded, including Alda.

They were all disciples of this secluded academy, and although Alda was the youngest, his strength surpassed that of the other seven.

Thus, Alda alone faced the eight seniors, but he was still able to match their combined force.

If only one of them were to descend to the secular world, they could easily confront ten special forces soldiers or fight against 15 to 20 street gangsters.

Nevertheless, it was remarkable that Alda could hold his own against all eight simultaneously, using a great deal of energy.

The nine immediately ascended to the large structure where the still vigorous old man had emerged.

Each took their place around the old man quickly and respectfully seated themselves.

"You have all resided here for 10 years, some even for 15. It is time for you to return to your respective families," the old man stated unexpectedly.

"Master, I will not descend the mountain; I wish to continue learning the martial arts with you!" one of them declared.

"I too have no desire to leave now; I want to keep learning!" another exclaimed.

In the end, five chose to stay and continue their learning, while Alda and three others decided to descend the mountain, longing to return to their families.

The five staying had their own reasons, some with no family to return to, and they owed their lives to their master, wishing to remain with him.

Among them, identities were unknown; with no surnames recognized, only given names were familiar.

Even Alda Button's past was a mystery to his seniors, who knew him only by his nickname.

But their connections ran deep, akin to a family, having known each other for over a decade.

Their days spent sleeping, training, hunting, and eating together had forged a close-knit bond between the nine secluded pupils.

"Are you certain you wish to stay here?" the old man asked, suggesting he was about to retreat into solitude once more.

"Yes, master, we will remain for some time longer!" affirmed those who had chosen to stay.

"And what of the rest of you?" he inquired of the four, including Alda.

"We will go home, master. Thank you for guiding us," Alda responded first.

"Yes, we yearn for the life outside!" Riko said eagerly.

Riko, barely three years Alda's senior, hailed from a distant village where he endured a harsh upbringing.

It was Riko who had nearly caused Alda to drop his dagger during their combat, his demeanor as stern and formidable as special forces of a great nation, his stature tall and commanding.

The remaining two shared Riko's sentiments, eager to return to their secular origins.

"Well then, those of you descending the mountain, pack your belongings and depart tomorrow morning," the elder directed.

He closed his eyes, reflecting deeply before imparting one more piece of wisdom.

"Given your substantial strength, use it righteously!" he advised.

He then rose, turned, and re-entered the grand edifice from which he had first emerged.

The nine exchanged glances, smiles blossomed, and warm hugs were exchanged.

Those leaving shared the names of their hometowns, revealing their origins to the others.

Knowledge of these places remained quiet until now, indicating their readiness to leave. Eventually, the remaining five would also depart.

The four bound for the descent began to pack with what little they had, while the others sought to clean themselves and tend to minor wounds.

Silence reclaimed the courtyard of the secluded academy, the whispering wind resuming its dance along the mountain slopes.

Alda, having retired to his room, opened his wardrobe and pulled out a drawer.

Inside, he found an antiquated phone, which he promptly activated. The old device, despite its age, exuded elegance.