Cherreads

Chapter 1 - The Awakening Path

A soft breeze rustled through the wildflowers. Sunlight shimmered gently across a quiet pond near the borders of the Kak Empire.

A boy lay beneath a tree, one hand resting on his chest, eyes closed as if dreaming.

In his mind—**her voice** returned.

A gentle touch ran through his hair. Then, a horrifying vision. A monstrous claw pierced her chest, and blood splattered across his skin.

> "Be brave... Be strong... The world needs you, Rudra."

He stirred, blinking slowly.

A voice shouted nearby.

A soldier in silver-black armor approached, boots crunching the grass.

> "This pond connects to the eastern sea. It's not safe to nap here!"

Rudra sat up, calm and expressionless.

> "I wasn't sleeping. I was... remembering."

The soldier frowned but softened.

> "Even so, your father is waiting. Hurry to the royal palace."

> "I'll be there soon."

He looked into the water. The reflection staring back at him wasn't a child—it was someone waiting to become something greater.

---

## **Scene: Royal Palace – Morning**

Inside the grand palace, Emperor **Gator Yan** stood tall in crimson robes. His eyes bore down on Rudra.

> "Rudra, have you forgotten? Today is your first day at Medicine Hall Academy."

> "No, Father. I remember."

> "Then get ready. You're not just anyone—you carry the name *Yan*."

Rudra nodded. In his room, he opened a sealed parcel from the academy—a freshly folded uniform bearing the emblem of the Medicine Hall.

He changed quietly. When he removed his shirt, a large scar across his chest was visible. His hand clenched into a fist.

> "One day… I'll kill every last monster."

---

## **Scene: Medicine Hall Academy – Gates of the Freshers**

Students gathered from across the empire—boys and girls between eight and fifteen years old, some gripping tokens, others their weapons.

As Rudra walked past, whispers followed him.

> "Isn't he too young?"

> "That's Prince Rudra Yan. What's he doing here?"

Rudra ignored them. His eyes stayed fixed on the towering marble structure of **Medicine Hall Academy**, one of the Nine Sacred Academies.

At the gate, a white-robed man stood waiting.

> "Rudra Yan," the man said. His long beard swayed in the wind, and his glowing blue eyes studied the boy. "You're the last to arrive."

His name was **Master Sak Kun**.

---

## **Class Begins – Foundations of Power**

Inside a wide marble hall, the students sat in a half circle. The walls shimmered with spiritual runes.

Master Sak Kun's voice rang clearly.

> "Today marks your first step. You stand at the beginning of two powerful paths. Every cultivator must choose one."

He raised his hand, and two glowing figures hovered above him.

---

## **The Two Paths of Power**

> "Each of you is born with either:

>

> * **Elemental Energy**: You may become a **Beast Knight**.

> * **Spiritual Energy**: You may become a **Spiritual Master**."

A few students raised their hands. One spoke up.

> "Master, what's the difference?"

Master Sak Kun nodded.

---

### **Beast Knights**

* Those born with **elemental energy** may awaken their **Elemental Core** and become Beast Knights.

* To begin cultivation, they must refine a **Beast Knight Granth**, which contains:

 * A **Beast Soul**

 * A **Weapon Form**

> "Upon choosing their Granth, it binds for life. A knight can only have **one elemental affinity**."

Each time they advance in rank, they unlock **two new elemental techniques** from their Granth automatically.

* There are **9 ranks** in total.

* To ascend between ranks, a Beast Knight must break through **seven chakra gates**, enhancing their strength, elemental capacity, and speed.

To break seals on their Granths, they must use **blood drops**.

---

### **Spiritual Masters**

* Born with **spiritual energy**, they awaken their **Spiritual Core** and cultivate it into **Spiritual Stars**.

* The number of stars they form reflects their mastery and level. There are **five spiritual levels** based on star count.

Spiritual Masters can:

* Break seals on granths using spiritual stars.

* Learn techniques from **Spiritual Technique Granths** (trap, seal, healing, offense, defense).

* Create both **Beast Knight** and **Spiritual Granths**.

* Produce **medicine pills** and **recovery potions**.

> "They may fight directly or support others from behind. But make no mistake—Spiritual Masters are the backbone of every great force."

---

## **A Sudden Announcement**

Master Sak Kun clapped his hands.

> "In three weeks, we begin the **Freshers Tournament**. You will form teams of three. The top team shall receive:

>

> * 5000 Medi Coins

> * One Tier-5 Beast Core

> * Recommendation to the Outer Academy Trials."

The hall exploded with excitement.

> "A Tier-5 core?! That's priceless!"

> "Only Beast Vein Knights can absorb that!"

Rudra, sitting silently, smiled faintly.

> "A Beast Core, huh? I might need one sooner than I thought."

 **Closing Scene**

As students filed out, a girl passed Rudra silently. Her aura was cold,

and her eyes sharp.

On her wrist shimmered a faint **butterfly-shaped mark**.

Rudra paused.

> "That mark... I've seen it before…"

To Be Continued...

More Chapters