Three days after the National Awakened
Council began making discreet inquiries, Krishak received another summons to the Headmaster's office.
This time, the message was delivered
personally by a senior academy instructor.
"Headmaster Rudra requests your presence this evening."
Krishak folded the letter and placed it in his robe.
He had expected this.
When unusual attention gathered, institutions often moved to secure promising talent.
The question was not whether Rudra would act, but what he intended to propose.
Lunafang trotted beside him as Krishak climbed the tower at sunset.
The silver wolf's senses were calm, though his ears remained alert.
The Headmaster's office was quieter than usual.
No assistants were present.
A single pot of tea rested on the desk between two chairs.
Rudra gestured for Krishak to sit.
"I assume you've noticed that interest in you is growing."
Krishak nodded.
"Yes."
Rudra poured tea for both of them.
"That interest will only increase."
He spoke plainly.
"Some people are motivated by a desire to support talent."
"Others see talent as an asset to be acquired."
The old man's gaze was steady.
"I want to ensure you have the freedom to develop properly."
Rudra retrieved a sealed document.
"The academy maintains a Special Student Program.
It was reserved for a handful of exceptional individuals.
Benefits included:
Personalized instruction from senior faculty.
Independent study privileges.
Priority access to missions and resources.
Confidential protection from external pressure.
Flexible curriculum advancement.
In return, the student was expected to represent the academy and contribute to its long-term development.
Rudra placed the document before Krishak.
"I would like to admit you immediately.''
Krishak reviewed the proposal carefully.
The advantages were substantial.
But he had learned long ago that every formal arrangement should be clearly defined.
He asked, "Will participation restrict my independent research?"
"No."
"Will I retain ownership of my discoveries?"
"Yes."
"Will the academy attempt to direct my future after graduation?"
Rudra smiled faintly.
"Not unless you choose to remain."
Krishak considered the offer for a few moments.
Then he said, "I accept."
Rudra seemed genuinely pleased.
He signed the document and handed Krishak a second token.
This one was deep blue, engraved with a seven-pointed star.
"With this token, you may access the Special Student facilities."
He paused before continuing.
"There is one more matter.
Rudra leaned back in his chair.
"The academy plans to send a small group of outstanding students to the Starlit Ruins during the next extended break."
Krishak's eyes sharpened.
The ancient site he had discovered in the restricted archives.
Rudra noticed his reaction.
"I thought the opportunity might interest you."
Krishak answered honestly.
"It does."
The Headmaster provided a brief overview.
The expedition would include:
Two senior instructors.
Several elite students.
Specialists in beast lore and formations.
The ruins were considered dangerous, but potentially rich in resources and historical discoveries.
Selection would be limited to students who demonstrated exceptional ability and judgment.
Rudra's expression made it clear that Krishak's inclusion was all but certain.
Rudra also looked toward Lunafang.
"Ancient sites often contain resources beneficial to rare bloodlines."
The silver wolf's ears perked up immediately.
Krishak placed a hand on Lunafang's head.
This expedition aligned perfectly with his goals.
Knowledge.
Resources.
And perhaps clues about Earth's deeper history.
As Krishak descended the tower, the night air felt unusually crisp.
In a single meeting, his position within the academy had risen again.
He now possessed:
Special Student status.
Expanded institutional protection.
Access to new facilities.
A likely place on the Starlit Ruins expedition.
The pace of events was accelerating.
Yet everything remained consistent with his long-term plans.
Back in his room, Krishak reviewed the blue token in his hand.
Lunafang curled up beside him, still excited by the mention of the ruins.
Krishak smiled faintly.
"Continue growing."
"The world is beginning to open."
The Starlit Ruins would be his first true expedition to an ancient site in this life.
And if his instincts were correct, what awaited there would be far more valuable than anyone in the academy realized.