At the entrance of the classroom, Om paused.
He could feel the eyes. Whispers stopped. Conversations froze.
The topic of the day was him—and only him.
"So, I've become today's entertainment. It's the last day of class, and with just ten days until the inheritance ceremony, they're wasting their energy gossiping about me instead of preparing." Om sighed inwardly.
As he stepped inside, silence gripped the room. Dozens of eyes turned toward him. But he ignored them, walked straight to his seat, and sat down quietly.
"At least they're quiet now," he muttered under his breath.
Moments later, Raghav entered the classroom.
"Good morning, sir!" the entire class chorused.
Raghav nodded and gestured for them to sit.
He stood before them, calm but purposeful.
"This is your last day of school," he began. "And in ten days, you'll be standing at the inheritance ceremony."
"Hope you're prepared."
"Yes, sir!" the class responded eagerly.
Raghav glanced over the students, then continued.
"You're all already aware, but I'll explain again—what happens after you receive your inheritance."
He walked slowly as he spoke, voice steady and direct.
"After successful inheritance, all fifty of you will be taken to the W.I.A. Headquarters. There, you will undergo a trial. It will test your strength, instincts, and how well you've adapted to your powers."
"Based on your performance, you will be ranked and assigned your warrior class. Your score will also play a significant role in your university applications."
He paused, then reached into his right pocket and pulled out a sleek, holographic smartphone.
"Now, let's talk about your university options."
With a few quick swipes, five holographic images appeared, floating in the air around him.
"There are five primary universities managed by the World Inheritance Association (W.I.A.), along with several local ones managed by individual nations."
He pointed to the image directly in front of him.
"North University of Inheritors (N.U.I.)"
"They're known for their unparalleled defensive abilities. Shields, barriers, resistances—if defense is your strength, this is your place."
The image shifted left.
"West University of Inheritors (W.U.I.)"
"Famed for their advanced weapons and chariots. They produce the best war-machines in the world."
Another shift.
"South University of Inheritors (S.U.I.)"
"This one's unique. Their inheritors conquered the Forbidden Zone in South Africa. Beasts found there can be tamed and summoned in battle. They specialize in summoning."
The fourth image appeared.
"East University of Inheritors (E.U.I.)"
"Mostly known for raw physical strength—their warriors rely on brute force and the strength of their armors and weapons."
Finally, the last image appeared and enlarged in front of the class.
"Central University of Inheritors (C.U.I.)"
"This is where control over inheritance reaches its peak. The best users—precise, efficient, deadly."
Raghav smiled slightly.
"Bonus fact—Mr. Arnold, the current head of W.I.A. and the strongest inheritor of this era, graduated from here."
"Maybe that's why C.U.I. is the most sought-after."
The images vanished.
"The choice is yours," Raghav said. "So, which university are you aiming for?"
Excitement rippled through the class. Hands shot up—every student eager to share. Every student… except Om.
Raghav noticed.
But instead of pressing him immediately, he turned to another student. "Ronnie?"
Ronnie stood tall, grinning with pride. He thumped his chest twice with his fist.
"I'll graduate from the best—C.U.I.! Just like my idol, the strongest, Mr. Arnold!"
Raghav chuckled. "Good energy. Best of luck, Ronnie."
One by one, students started sharing their dreams. The mood was lively. For a moment, it felt like a celebration.
Raghav quietly observed, proud. "They're strong… hiding their pain well."
Finally, he turned to Om.
"And you, Om? What's your plan?"
Om looked out the window, voice calm and unreadable.
"I don't expect much. But if I do inherit something, I'll do my best in the trials."
The answer was honest. Grounded.
But Ronnie didn't take it well.
His smile vanished. He clenched his fists and snapped, "Even if you somehow get an inheritance, with your weak body you won't survive—not against 5,000 others. The examiner might have to save you instead of scoring you."
Laughter erupted across the classroom.
Om didn't flinch.
But Raghav's face hardened.
"Enough, Ronnie. Behave yourself."
"But, sir—"
"Sit. Both of you."
The laughter died.
Tension faded as the two boys sat back down.
Raghav straightened up. Time to bring the focus back.
"Now… Let's talk about how to prepare."
"Increasing your strength in 30 days is difficult. That's why many choose to skip trials and try again later. But let me tell you—doing that reduces your chances of getting into a university."
He looked them all in the eye.
"Why? Because if an inheritor doesn't believe in their own potential—if they hesitate to test themselves—then they don't have what it takes to be elite."
"Universities don't just care about your score. They look at the quality of your inheritance, and how well you use it."
The students leaned forward, listening.
"To grow quickly, focus on these—weapons, armor, accessories, and if you're lucky, summons."
He grinned suddenly. "Or, if you've got too much money lying around… buy a chariot or an astral army."
A heavy silence fell.
Then groans and sighs followed.
Raghav burst into laughter.
"I'm joking! Even with a fortune, buying an astral army or a war chariot is near impossible."
The class chuckled, some rolling their eyes.
"Now, to cheer you up—I have good news."
All ears perked up. Even Om looked up, curious.
"After the inheritance ceremony, our school will provide each of you with an Ati-Rathi class weapon of your choice."
Silence.
Stunned faces stared at Raghav, trying to process his words.
Raghav blinked, confused. "What? I'm serious."
He struck a confident pose. "Totally real. No joke."
The classroom exploded in celebration. Cheers, high-fives, claps—it was as if exam results had already come out.
Om watched quietly, a faint smile forming on his lips.
For the first time in days… hope didn't feel so far away.