The seasonal break passed quickly.
For Krishak, the days were divided between family, direct instruction, and quiet planning. Though his clone had taught the five disciples faithfully, seeing them in person allowed him to identify flaws that no written report could fully convey.
The secluded valley had changed considerably since his last visit.
Rohan's forge now stood beside a simple workshop built from stone and timber.
Meera had cultivated several organized herb plots.
Arun maintained detailed ledgers tracking every resource used by the group.
Tara and Karan had transformed one section of the valley into a small formation practice ground.
The students had not wasted their time.
Krishak was pleased.
On the first morning, he gathered all five students.
Master Kiran stood nearby, maintaining his role as their primary instructor.
Krishak observed as each disciple demonstrated the cultivation techniques and combat methods they had learned.
Rohan
Powerful and determined, but occasionally too forceful.
Meera
Precise and patient, with excellent memory.
Arun
Analytical and disciplined, though less confident in combat.
Tara
Quick-minded and perceptive.
Karan
Methodical and highly focused.
Their progress exceeded expectations for students from ordinary backgrounds.
After the assessment, Krishak distributed carefully prepared gifts.
To Rohan, he gave improved forging diagrams and a low-grade metal with unusual spiritual conductivity.
To Meera, he provided rare seeds and advanced notes on medicinal interactions.
To Arun, he handed a notebook explaining trade structures and long-term investment principles.
To Tara, he offered a meditation manual emphasizing mental clarity and perception.
To Karan, he provided an introductory formation text with progressively more complex exercises.
The students accepted these resources with reverence.
That afternoon, Krishak gathered them beside the training field.
"You have all improved,"
he said.
"But remember that progress is never guaranteed."
He drew three words in the soil.
Knowledge. Discipline. Character.
"Strength built without knowledge is unstable."
"Knowledge without discipline is wasted."
"And power without character becomes dangerous.
The disciples listened in complete silence.
Over the next several days, Krishak supervised intense training.
He arranged:
Endurance drills.
Tactical sparring.
Resource management exercises.
Field herb identification.
Formation problem-solving.
Lunafang also participated, forcing the students to adapt to a fast and intelligent beast opponent.
Though he restrained himself significantly, the wolf's speed and unpredictability challenged them all.
Rohan and Tara performed especially well.
The concentrated training led to several breakthroughs.
Rohan advanced to Early Martial Warrior.
Meera reached Peak Martial Apprentice.
Tara and Karan both stabilized at Mid Martial Apprentice.
Arun, though slower in direct cultivation, demonstrated remarkable progress in spiritual control.
Each advancement boosted the group's confidence.
On the final evening before Krishak's return to the academy, the disciples bowed together.
Rohan spoke for them.
"Master, we will not waste the opportunity you've given us."
Krishak looked at each of them.
"I am not interested in empty promises."
"Show your determination through consistent effort."
All five responded in unison.
"Yes, Master."
Later that night, Veer joined Krishak outside the house.
Father and son watched the stars in companionable silence.
After a while, Veer said, "You're carrying responsibilities far beyond your age."
Krishak smiled faintly.
"Some opportunities come early."
Veer nodded.
"Whatever path you walk, remember you always have a home here."
For all the vast experience of his previous life, Krishak felt genuine warmth at those words.
The next morning, Krishak said goodbye to his family and disciples.
Luna hugged him tightly and made him promise to bring back another story from the academy.
Ama packed food and medicinal herbs for the journey.
Veer clasped his shoulder with quiet pride.
Lunafang barked a final farewell as the carriage departed.
Krishak looked back at his home until it disappeared from view.
The break had strengthened every foundation he cared about.
Now it was time to return to the academy.
And beyond the academy waited the Starlit Ruins.