Two days after the practical combat examination, the first-year students assembled at the eastern gate of the academy.
Beyond the reinforced walls stretched Azurewood Forest.
What appeared from a distance to be an ordinary wilderness was, in truth, one of the academy's greatest classrooms.
The outer region contained low- to mid-level mutated beasts.
The middle region housed stronger creatures and denser spiritual energy.
The deeper zones were strictly forbidden to students.
Even instructors entered those areas only in organized teams.
Today, the first-year students would be tested within the outer and selected middle regions.
For many, this was the most intimidating part of the midterm examination.
Books and sparring arenas were controlled environments.
The forest was not.
Headmaster Rudra stood before the assembled students.
Each student wore a tracking badge and carried an emergency signal token.
If activated, the token would summon academy staff and automatically disqualify the student from the trial.
Rudra addressed the group.
"The forest does not care about your talent, family background, or pride."
"It rewards awareness, preparation, and sound judgment."
He raised his hand.
"Your objectives are simple."
1. Collect ten designated herb samples.
2.Retrieve one beast core from a qualifying creature.
3. Spend two nights in the forest.
4. Return safely before sunset on the third day.
"Additional points will be awarded for efficiency, leadership, and exceptional performance."
Although the trial emphasized individual ability, students were permitted to form temporary groups.
Ravi approached Krishak before departure.
"Would you like to work together?"
Krishak appreciated the offer, but declined politely.
"I have a few objectives I'd like to pursue independently."
Ravi nodded.
"I understand. Good luck.
Aarav, standing nearby, snorted but said nothing.
His earlier arrogance had diminished after their duel.
At the signal, the students entered Azurewood Forest.
Krishak moved with Lunafang at his side.
The silver wolf's senses were invaluable.
Within minutes, they had identified the locations of two required herbs.
Krishak harvested them carefully and stored them in labeled containers.
Lunafang scanned the surroundings continuously, ears twitching at every sound.
Their coordination was effortless.
By midday, Krishak had collected six of the ten herbs.
He and Lunafang also defeated a Razorback Boar, obtaining a suitable beast core.
The battle lasted less than a minute.
Krishak intentionally kept his methods efficient rather than flashy.
He wanted a high score, not unnecessary attention.
As evening approached, Lunafang suddenly stopped.
Through the soul bond, Krishak sensed alertness and concern.
The wolf had detected human voices.
Krishak concealed his aura and moved silently toward the source.
In a nearby clearing, three students were cornered by a Thornscale Serpent.
The creature was stronger than they expected, and one student had already been injured.
Among the group was Nisha Kapoor.
Before the students could activate their emergency token, Krishak acted.
He stepped into the clearing.
Lunafang vanished into the shadows.
The serpent lunged.
Krishak evaded its strike and targeted a vulnerable point beneath its jaw.
At the same moment, Lunafang attacked from behind.
The serpent collapsed moments later.
The entire encounter lasted less than ten seconds.
Nisha and the others stared in astonishment.
"Thank you,"
she said sincerely.
Krishak handed them a basic healing tonic.
"Treat the wound and avoid overextending yourselves."
He accepted no further praise and departed as quietly as he had arrived.
After nightfall, Krishak established a small concealed campsite.
Lunafang kept watch while Krishak reviewed the day's progress.
All required objectives were nearly complete.
More importantly, the trial provided a valuable opportunity to observe how students responded to real pressure.
Some adapted quickly.
Others panicked.
The difference often had little to do with talent.
Late that night, while meditating, Krishak sensed a subtle fluctuation of spiritual energy deeper in the forest.
It was faint, but unusually pure.
He opened his eyes.
Lunafang was already alert.
Krishak smiled slightly.
This midterm examination might offer more than just a ranking.
At dawn, he and Lunafang would investigate.