As time passed, Mary got bored staying home looking after Jedidiah while Alex went out on his duties as an elder. 3 years later, she got a job. She became a teacher. She decided to teach normal classes like math, English, business, and economics. This way, she wouldn't be Alex became the first elder to become the leader of the military generals without going through military training.
In the mornings, Alex would attend meetings with the other generals. After that, he would watch and assist in the training of the younger military recruits and soldiers. In the afternoon, he would spend time reading and learning the military tactics and history of the Great Silverback Sect. This was customary for all officials higher than a military captain to have certain hours of military education.
As for Jedidiah, he started going to school. For a baby, he learned how to start speaking early at the age of 1. Unlike others, that is a really impressive age for a baby. Now, he is 3 years old. He goes to school like any other. He would go to school in the morning and learn normal classes like how to say his alphabet, how to read, and more. In the afternoon, he would normally sit down on a rock outside his house where he would watch his uncle practice martial arts. At night, after dinner, he would read books, practice his martial art forms, or exercise before he takes a shower and sleep.
One thing peculiar about Jedidiah is that he is very persistent. Although he was below the age of cultivation, Jedidiah was not dismayed by this. He always practiced the martial art forms he watched from the older students who practiced in the martial pavilion at night. If not, he would normally hide behind rocks as he listened attentively to the martial instructors.
Due to his persistent character, he was mostly lonely. He was devoted to almost anything he set his mind on.
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As time passed, 2 years passed before he could know it. Jedidiah was 5 years old.
This time he was in class listening attentively to his history teacher, Ms. Zuri. She was of average height. Not too tall, and not too short. On her head, she has beautiful red hair. Her face was very beautiful, it was pearly and smooth. As though one was looking at a baby. She also has black eyes, with hot sharp eyebrows.
Anyway, she wore formal clothing which highlighted her beautiful figure. With every wave of her hand, her body seemed to be more enticing.
Standing in front of the class, Ms. Zuri waited patiently for the rest of the students who were coming in to get settled. A few minutes after, Ms. Zuri started class.
"Good morning everyone, how are you all doing? Today. We are going to learn about the history of the universe. Now, before you panic, I know. It may sound long and impossible, this is because it is. However, today, we will just be learning about the basics. Get ready, this is going to be a ride." Ms. Zuri said.
Before she started, she took a deep breath.
"In the beginning, the Creator created this universe. Our universe is called the 'Neo-Cosmos'. After that, he created a substance, or essence which filled the universe. This is called the 'Universal Qi' or the 'Universal Essence'. It is said that the 'Universal Essence' is the most disastrous thing ever created.
Sometime after, the Creator made systems that He used in His infinite knowledge to sustain all life. That being said, He made 7 major suns and 7 moons which make up the 7 major planetary systems in our universe. Each system has 1 major sun and moon.
Now, we know this. Not all planetary systems are the same size. The size of each system depends on the size of the planets which revolve around it. For example, Paan is a dwarf planet. It is extremely small, even smaller than a 'small' planet.
Each planet is measured differently. Each planet is either 4 times larger or 4 times smaller. That being said, planets are split into 5 categories namely; Dwarf, Small, Medium, Large, and Supersized planets.
In total, there are 7 planetary systems in our universe. The first, and smallest is Antares. The second is Arturus. The third, Sol. The fourth, Vega. The fifth, Spica. The sixth, Sirius. The seventh, Julia.'
"Haha, that's cool. How are they like, Ms. Zuri? How were these systems named?" A student asked interestingly.
Hearing the question, Ms. Zuri smiled. She knew she had successfully gotten the students' attention.
"Good question Cole. Each of these systems is unique, they are all different in their own way. For example, did you know that Antares has 1 dwarf planet and 5 small planets? Arcturus is the first green sun to ever exist. It has 2 small planets and 3 medium-sized planets which revolve around it. Sol, the golden sun, has 3 small, and 3 medium-sized planets. Vega, the purple sun, has 7 planets that revolve around it. 1 small, 2 medium, and 4 large planets. " Ms. Zuri said.
"Oh, Oh! What about Spica, Sirius, and Julia? What are they like? Do they also have pretty colors, Ms. Zuri?"
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
A small girl who was seated somewhere in the middle of the class asked.
"Good question. They are actually the coolest systems if you ask me.
Spica is the first and only neon-blue sun in our universe. It has 7 planets revolving around it. 2 small, 2 medium, and 3 large planets. From what I've heard, you know the planetary system of Spica was once ruled by powerful kings and queens. At one point, it was the wealthiest planetary system in our universe! They were called the Zhang dynasty." Ms. Zuri said
"Wow, that's cool." A student said out of joy, as their eyes shine like stars.
"I wish I was royal. I want to be a king!" Another student also chimed in.
"Yeah, me too! Don't worry, Ms. Zuri. When I grow up, I'll become a powerful king. I'll be even much greater than those Zhang people. I will even raise the greatest sect the whole galaxy will ever know!" Jedidiah says seriously as he stands up from his happily.
Hearing his words, the mood of the whole class died out.
"Hahaha"
One after another, students from all corners of the class started laughing at Jedidiah. They thought his dreams were too silly to be true.
"Ha, Jedidiah, you really think you will become a king? Just take a look at yourself! How can someone of your kind become a king? Do you know how vast the universe is?" A fat kid named Gustus said tauntingly.
For some reason, Gustus had always hated Jedidiah. He always thought it was unfair that 'strangers' would come into a sect, only to be awarded the title of an elder without working for it. The worst part was that Jedidiah's uncle, Alex, was the one who 'stole' that position from his father.
Seeing the tension, Ms. Zuri quickly intervened.
"Gustus, it's enough! There would be no bullying allowed in my class! Did you hear me clearly?! No bullying!"
As a teacher, the one thing she hated the most was bullying! She always loved hearing the dreams and passions of her students because she knew one day, one of them may actually achieve it. Like plants, they need the right amount of soil and water for them to grow. With a little bit of time and encouragement, there's no telling what may become of them in the future.
Looking at the helpless Jedidiah, she felt saddened. She felt touched. She knew how it felt to be looked down on. She knew the pain it can bring to children who are always talked down and suppressed. She knows because she had once gone through it.
Anyways, this is not about her. She has a class to teach.
Watching the sad child sit down, she took a deep breath as she continued teaching.
"Sirius, the silver sun. This planetary system has 9 planets that revolve around it. It has 6 large planets and 3 super planets. As for the planetary system of Julia. It is one to remember.
This sun was named after the lover of a victorious champion. His name was Calisto. He is one of history's most successful warriors in battle. Every battle he fought in, he came out successful. Only losing one.
Some days before a great war, he promised his lover the most beautiful thing in the whole universe. He promised to one day give her a gift that would show his undying love for her. Julia loved him just as much, so she agreed to his promises. All she asked was for him to come back to her alive.
On the day of the battle, it was terrible. Dreadful. It was night, Calisto and his men almost lost this battle. However, they were lucky to survive. Many of his men had been lost in this battle. Even his best friend was lost in this battle. Lonely, he ordered some of his men to count the loot and bury their dead.
As for him, he was sitting on the floor tired as he looked up at the moon. As time passed, Calisto fell asleep and thought of Julia. When he woke up, he was greeted by the warm white rays which softly caressed his face. Opening his eyes, he saw the sun. According to him, it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.
A few days later, both he and his men arrived home. He missed Julia so much, that he didn't even hug her at first. He knelt on the ground and proposed to her right there and then. Sometime after, they got married during sunrise, where he named the sun after his wife, Julia." Ms. Zuri said.
"Wow, how romantic." A girl said
"I want to marry a man like that one day when I grow up!" Another girl said.
"Yeah, mee too!" Other girls said as they daydreamed.
Just as they were talking, the bell rang. BRINING!
"Alright guys, that's it for the day. See you tomorrow." Mr. Zuri said as she watched the pack up for their next class.
As they left, Ms. Zuri patiently waited for Jedidiah.
Just before he was about to leave, she said, "Jedidiah, can I speak to you for a minute?"
"Sure" Jedidiah whispered as he walked to the side.
"I heard what you said earlier. It's okay to have big dreams. In fact, it's okay to want to be a king of the most powerful sect one day. What matters is that you focus on the present. Work hard, don't give up, and you will see yourself making it eventually. Got it?" Ms. Zuri asked.
"I do, thank you for sticking up for me previously. I appreciate it" Jedidiah replied.
After that, he went on and left for his next class.
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Just like that, time flew. Jedidiah took Ms. Zuri's words to heart. Every day, he worked hard endlessly. Sometimes, he would read until he felt his brain pounding. Sometimes, he would exercise until he couldn't move his body. Sometimes, he would even attempt to practice cultivation regardless of the disastrous consequences if he failed.
Along with that, Jedidiah's name gradually became famous within his community. His intelligence and determination were one thing everyone respected about him. In class, Jedidiah became one of the most respected pupils. Although he still had haters, he was favored by his teachers and even the headmaster!
In the afternoon, during his practice, his form became incredibly profound. His movements became more smooth as he danced with the wind. Sometimes, when he practices, it seemed as though Jedidiah was unintentionally bending the wind to his will. It was so beautiful.
Sometimes, the elders who once envied him gradually fell in love with Jedidiah. Every week, they would secretly spy on him as they watched him practice his martial arts.
As for his uncle, Alex. As time passed, he gradually became a fiction of the imagination. This is all because Alex was sent on errands or duties concerning the military. In past times, he would be gone for weeks. Now, he would be absent for 4-5 months straight. Due to this, Mary and Jedidiah had a stronger mother-son relationship.
Concerning Mary, she continued teaching her usual courses. Sometimes, she would come back home early just to watch Jedidiah and help him with his homework and more.
One day, she noticed how much Jedidiah loved martial arts. So, she decided to enroll him in a martial school. It was called the Panel Martial academy. It wasn't owned by the Great Silverback Sect, however, it was a compilation of various other sects which teamed up to train their younger ones. This way, they could easily hold competitions and share experiences that would motivate the students.
They only accepted students from ages 6 to 10. Due to the high level of variation, the Panel Martial academy didn't directly recruit students. However, it held tests that tested the affinity of the students. To avoid bullying, they recruited students by age. So, all the six-year-olds would compete against their peers and so on.
*****