"My knowledge comes from the worn-out books you have seen in my personal library," Satya said, gesturing towards the unseen collection. "I gathered them when I traced our ancestors. They're all written in the Language of Gods, the kind used in rituals. The trouble is, most use different scripts, making them nearly impossible to fully understand. But what little I could decipher gave me the knowledge and beliefs I hold now."

  "But why did you trace our ancestors in the first place?" Shambhu asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.

  "For the same reason you seek answers, Son. I wanted the truth," Satya began, his gaze distant as he recalled the past. "My father, Kris, passed down the birth class system and fragments of knowledge about Dharma and Karma. He insisted it had to be passed on, but he couldn't explain why we believed it, or why it was so important for future generations." Satya spoke slowly, lost in memory.

  "Punda Mote and I were classmates here in Prayag. We shared the same beliefs back then, and honestly, I had no intention of passing any of it to my children. But my world was shaken by a terrible accident." Satya's voice grew heavy, a shadow crossing his face.

  "I had taken the oath of a Seeker and was traveling to preach Dharma. One night, while staying in a village, evil cultists attacked. I woke suddenly to the sight of flames leaping high at the far end of the village. Smoke stung the air. Those monsters had slaughtered the elders and anyone who could fight, then set their homes ablaze. They were moving towards my side." He paused, taking a breath. "Then I saw them – men standing near my quarters, dressed in Protector's gear, armed. I pleaded with them to save the villagers, but their reply shocked me." Satya's voice tightened with remembered anger. "They claimed they were only there to teach martial arts, making them 'technically Seekers,' and that fighting wasn't their duty. In that instant, something inside me snapped."

  He clenched his fist unconsciously. "If people just choose their class, they'll pick comfort over duty! Why didn't those men, clearly equipped and trained, fight? Fear. Simple fear. They hadn't rooted their profession in their very being, as a duty they must fulfill. Instead, they twisted their 'duty' to fit their cowardice."

  "I ran," Satya admitted quietly. "Ran for my life. As a Seeker, I had no fighting skills. It was only after that horror that I learned unarmed combat. I never became a true fighter – my path was seeking truth to calm my own troubled heart. But my real quest became: should a Seeker fight? Because I, a lifelong Seeker, felt the powerful urge to protect. Those ancient books finally gave me the answer. Learning about our ancestry was almost a side benefit."

  Shambhu listened intently, the phrase "evil cultists" echoing in his mind. "Father," he asked cautiously, "do we know who they were? Who do they worship if not God?"

  A flicker of pride showed in Satya’s eyes at the question. "Good question, Son. About 500 years ago, after a great war, there was a renaissance. Ancient texts were discovered, leading to the system of awakening and power we know today. Those books in my library seem much older, as they contain things not found in texts from that era. Seeing the power from these unearthed texts, people turned back to worshipping God. But where there's good, evil often follows. Cults formed, worshipping dark entities. Their followers are active even now, working in secret within this kingdom. The ones I saw were part of that darkness. They don't just ignore Dharma; they actively work against everything it stands for."

  "I understand," Shambhu nodded slowly. "But… if you already knew classes were determined by birth, why did you let me choose?"

  Satya looked directly at him, his expression unreadable. "Because our lineage is Protector, not Seeker."

  The words hit Shambhu like a physical blow. "What?" he gasped, eyes wide, mouth open.

  "Yes," Satya confirmed calmly. "Sometime in the last 500 years, one of our ancestors chose the Seeker path, likely out of cowardice to avoid fighting. That decision got our family exiled from our community. But by blood, Son, we are Protectors."

  "Then why didn't you tell me?" Shambhu felt a wave of confusion and frustration. "All my struggling... I wouldn't have been so torn if I'd known!"

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  "And why did you choose Protector?" Satya countered gently.

  "It felt right," Shambhu admitted. "It matched my nature. I love practicing martial arts far more than studying books. When I finally had a choice, following my instincts seemed the only way."

  "Exactly. And those instincts arise from your innate nature," Satya explained. "Dharma is duty aligned with that nature. Water puts out fire, even hot water. A true Protector, with the bloodline, feels compelled to protect. It called to me too, eventually, just as it calls to you. Sadly, for me, the realization came too late."

  Satya's gaze softened. "Son, I watched you grow. You were different from me – your love for martial arts, how quickly you learned, how you'd shield others even at risk to yourself. Your physique, your spirit… everything pointed to a Protector's nature. But," he added, a cautionary note entering his voice, "I've also seen those who choose the Protector path merely for power, and how easily that power corrupts. That's why I drilled Dharma into you – so you'd understand what must be done and what must never be done. Knowing Dharma deeply often comes best through a Seeker's studies. I suspected you'd choose Protector the moment you could. So, I ensured you understood what to protect and why you should fight."

  "But what if I hadn't?" Shambhu pressed. "What if I'd chosen Seeker?"

  "Highly unlikely, given your nature," Satya said. "But if you had, I would have revealed the truth eventually and tasked you with finding a true Protector in the generations to come. To restore our lineage, we needed someone who was Protector in body, mind, and soul. I believe that's why the knowledge was passed down, waiting for the right person."

  Satya paused. "There's also Aapaat Dharma."

  "What's that?"

  "Dharma for emergencies. For instance, if an innocent life is in danger, you must protect it with everything you have. That's Aapaat Dharma. We'll discuss it fully at home." His voice hardened slightly again. "Even if those men in the village were technically Seekers by choice, abandoning innocents isn't Dharma; it's abandoning humanity. They hid their fear behind a title. I would teach you Aapaat Dharma so you could never use the title of Seeker as an excuse to run from responsibility."

  Shambhu felt the pieces click into place. The confusion eased, replaced by a growing sense of clarity. He asked one last thing, "Are life-threatening situations the only time for Aapaat Dharma, Father?"

  "Always curious, Son, good." Satya chuckled lightly. "We'll cover it all back home. For now, sleep. We have that trip to the Eastern Zone tomorrow, remember?"

  The conversation ended. Shambhu lay in bed, not confused anymore, but focused. He had always tried to do his duty. Now, embracing his role as a Protector, a defender of righteousness and DHARMA, felt right. But to truly fulfill it, he knew he needed to become much, much stronger. His mind raced with possibilities for the future as he drifted off to sleep. Satya, meanwhile, quietly began organizing their belongings for the journey to Prayag's Eastern Zone, the area designated for longer stays.

  The next morning found the family gathered in the main hall again. Punda Mote was also present. Shambhu noticed his younger brother, Ananta, staring at their father’s friend, making faces like he was trying hard not to burst out laughing.

  "What's wrong with you, 'little trouble'?" Shambhu asked, using his usual nickname for the mischievous seven-year-old. Ananta was the polar opposite of the sincere Shambhu.

  "Big bro," Ananta whispered conspiratorially, leaning closer, "we've been here two days, and you still haven't noticed Punda Mote almost achieved perfect sphere status?" He looked at Shambhu as if he were incredibly slow.

  "What are you talking about?" Shambhu asked, baffled.

  Ananta continued with dramatic seriousness, "His height is maybe five feet. His waist," he paused for effect, "must be nearly 60 inches! That's almost a perfect cylinder! But imagine if he was just a bit shorter... wouldn't he be a rolling ball?" A triumphant grin spread across Ananta's face.

  "He'll roll over you and flatten you like chapati if he hears you," their mother interjected sharply, noticing Punda Mote approaching. "Now, hush!"

  "When did you even measure him?" Shambhu murmured, eyebrows raised.

  "Measure? Who needs to measure?" Ananta scoffed. "I have eyes and a brain! He's only about a foot taller than me, and I secretly checked the width of the couch cushion he was on. Maybe you should try using that thing above your shoulders sometime, big bro," he added with a smirk.

  "Right. I'll remember that," Shambhu said, fighting a smile. "But let me give you a quick pat on the back for your brilliant deduction." Ananta immediately dodged behind their mother, his usual escape route after provoking his brother.

  Punda Mote reached them, greeting Satya warmly. "Old friend! Good to see you, even if briefly. I've been so busy, sorry I couldn't spend more time. Where are you headed now?"

  "We're staying until the Aquas Fair concludes," Satya replied. "So we're moving to the Eastern Zone. It's better set up for longer visits."

  Punda Mote's cheerful expression turned serious. "May God watch over you, then."

  Satya caught the change in tone. "Is something wrong, Mote?"

  "There are rumors," Punda Mote lowered his voice slightly. "Some unsavory cults have gathered in Prayag this time. They might be looking to gain power during the fair. You know occult activities have been increasing these past twenty years. People are worried about dangerous rituals happening in secret."

  Hearing this, Shambhu's mother tensed visibly. "Satya, do we really need to stay? And go to the Eastern Zone?"

  "We'll be careful, dear," Satya reassured her gently, though his eyes were watchful. "These are just rumors for now. Besides, spending time here, on sacred ground during this auspicious time, will be good for us." He turned back to his friend. "Thank you for the warning, Mote. We appreciate it. But our transport and lodging are booked."

  "Then may God truly be with you," Punda Mote repeated sincerely. They exchanged final farewells. A bus waited at the building's gate. The family boarded, finding their seats.

  The bus pulled away from the curb, moving silently through the Prayag streets, carrying them towards the Eastern Zone – and perhaps, towards the very dangers their friend had just warned them about. Shambhu looked out the window, the morning sun glinting off the buildings, his resolve hardening. Protector. The path was laid out, and he would walk it, no matter the challenges ahead.