Jai Veer and Anvi emerged inside the Aaroha Academy camp, the space around them still faintly rippling from teleportation. The old man beside them was none other than Shekhar Singh, the Vice Principal of Aaroha Academy.
"It's still a while before morning," Shekhar Singh said calmly. "Anvi, head back to your tent and get some rest. And you, young boy—come with me."
Before entering her tent, Anvi glanced back. She offered Jai Veer a small, warm smile and said softly, "Bye, Veer." Then she slipped inside.
Jai Veer returned the smile and followed the vice principal in silence.
"So, your name is Veer?" Shekhar Singh asked casually as they walked.
"Well… actually, my full name is Jai Veer," he replied, rubbing the back of his head. "Sorry I didn't mention it earlier."
Shekhar Singh chuckled lightly. "No need to apologize. I simply didn't ask."
They stopped in front of a small tent—simple, but large enough for one person.
"This will be your place to rest," the vice principal said. "I'll send someone for you soon. You'll be fighting one of our students in a match. That will be your entrance test. Other students and teachers will be watching, so prepare yourself."
With that, he turned and left.
"So I really have to fight just to enter Aaroha Academy…" Jai Veer muttered under his breath. Hopefully, they don't throw someone too strong at me.
He stepped inside the tent, sat cross-legged, and slipped into meditation, focusing on restoring his energy and healing the wounds from the previous night.
A Few Hours Later…
Jai Veer slowly opened his eyes and stretched, letting out a long breath. "Whew… I feel much better now. Last night was really intense."
Just then, the tent flap shifted.
"Oh—Anvi?" he asked, surprised. "What are you doing here?"
"The vice principal sent me," she replied. "Matches have already started, and yours is coming up in a few hours. I'm here to take you to the arena."
"Matches?" he repeated, raising an eyebrow.
She nodded. "These decide who's qualified to hunt Grade-1 magical beasts in the forest. But your match is different—it's both your entrance test and your qualification round."
"Oh… I get it," he said. "Alright, let's go."
She stepped in front of him. "Wait. You're really going out like that? Your clothes are still torn."
"Oh—right," he said, embarrassed. With a small surge of magical energy, his clothes repaired themselves instantly. "Thanks for reminding me, Anvi."
The arenas were alive with activity.
Students of various ages moved about—some around Jai Veer's age, others clearly older and more experienced. A few radiated intense auras, having reached the peak of the 9-Star Jagruti (Awakening) stage.
Teachers stood along the edges, observing quietly.
Jai Veer scanned the area. The vice principal arranged my match… but he's nowhere to be seen.
Three arenas were active simultaneously, each supervised by a teacher calling out results.
"Arena 2, Match 5—Winner: Vipin Kumar!"
"For Match 6—Anvi versus Suraj Kumar! Report to Arena 2!"
Anvi glanced at Jai Veer. "My turn."
"Good luck!" he called out.
She looked back, smiled briefly, and stepped into the arena.
Both fighters took their positions.
"Begin!" the supervising teacher announced.
Suraj attacked first, firing multiple magical strikes from a distance. Anvi moved smoothly, dodging each one with ease before closing the gap, her dagger glowing faintly.
"So she's a close-range fighter," Suraj muttered, drawing his sword.
Dagger met sword.
Sparks flew as their weapons clashed again and again—block after block, strike after strike. The exchange was fast and relentless.
She's fast… and precise, Suraj thought, breathing hard. I have to finish this now.
"Sword Power Strike!" he shouted, pouring magical energy into his blade.
But Anvi didn't retreat.
"Amplified Thunderbolt," she said sharply, forming precise hand signs.
Lightning erupted from her dagger.
The two attacks collided midair. A blinding flash and deafening boom echoed across the arena.
Suraj was thrown backward, barely managing to stay on his feet.
"How did her attack overpower mine…?" he muttered in disbelief.
Anvi didn't give him a second chance.
She surged forward, lightning crackling around her dagger. Suraj raised his sword to block—but the impact sent it flying from his hand. He crashed to the ground.
"Arena 2, Match 6—Winner: Anvi!" the teacher announced.
Suraj lay there, injured and furious, as Anvi calmly exited the arena.
Back beside Jai Veer, she noticed his distant expression.
"What's wrong?" she teased. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
"It's nothing," he said quietly. "Just feels like everyone here has special techniques. I don't have anything like that."
She smiled knowingly. "Those techniques are earned here—through tasks, missions, and matches. Most of us still only have basic ones."
"So things like tournaments and missions?" he asked.
"Exactly. That Thunderbolt technique—I earned it from a special task."
"Oh," he said. "Then the one you used in the forest… was that from the academy too?"
She smirked and turned away. "No. That one's a secret."
He stepped in front of her with a playful grin. "Then you must be from a powerful clan."
Her expression turned serious. "You're sharp. But I never tell anyone my clan's name. Not students. Not outsiders. Don't ask—and don't assume."
She walked away toward the arena.
"Alright, alright. I won't ask," Jai Veer said, smiling sheepishly.
One Hour Later…
"For Match 17—Jai Veer versus Anmol Ratan! Please report to Arena 3 immediately!"
"Finally," Jai Veer murmured, taking a deep breath as he stepped forward.
Inside the arena stood Anmol Ratan—taller, older, and radiating overwhelming pressure. His cultivation was clearly at the peak of the 9-Star Jagruti (Awakening) stage.
Laughter erupted from nearby students.
"That rookie's finished."
"He won't last a minute."
Their voices drew more attention. Soon, eyes from all corners of the training grounds fixed onto Arena 3.
Jai Veer tightened his grip on his sword.
So this is my entrance test…