The grand courtyards of Bharadwaj Academy shimmered in the sunlight, filled with the sounds of laughter, clashing steel, and bursts of elemental light. The Tournament of Learners and Disciples had begun — a week-long celebration of strength and skill that turned the academy into a carnival of color and power.
Ansh, Ashwini, and Vijay moved through the crowded paths like excited birds, their eyes wide as they watched duel after duel unfold in the various coliseums scattered across the academy grounds.
"Look, look!" Ansh shouted, pointing toward one arena where a girl had conjured a giant bird made of wind.
"That's so cool! Do you think I can make something like that with Daav?"
Daav, perched on his shoulder, chirped proudly — a puff of smoke escaping his tiny beak.
Ashwini shook her head. "No, you'd just burn your sleeves again."
"I did that once!" Ansh protested, waving his hands dramatically.
Vijay smirked. "Once? I count three times this week."
"That doesn't count, we were experimenting!"
Ashwini sighed. "You were roasting berries!"
The three burst into laughter, earning a few amused glances from passing students. The tension from their travels and the chaos of recent months had faded, replaced by the thrill of being back in their academy — surrounded by magic, challenge, and freedom.
Everywhere they looked, something amazing was happening:
firestorms shaped like tigers, lightning duels that cracked across the sky, even an illusion duel where the fighters vanished entirely from sight. The tournament wasn't just battles — it was art, and they were eager spectators.
After hours of exploring, the trio ended up near the central plaza, where a massive fountain glittered with enchanted water. Students and teachers gathered around to chat and rest, and stalls sold cold fruit juice and sugar-dusted pastries.
Ansh grabbed one eagerly. "Mmm! This is the best part of tournaments — the food!"
Vijay laughed. "You said that during breakfast too."
"Well, it's still true!" Ansh grinned, crumbs sticking to his cheek.
Daav helped himself to a piece, puffing a tiny spark to toast it before eating, making both Ashwini and Vijay laugh.
But as Ansh turned with his snack, he bumped into something — hard.
"Ah! Who put a wall in the middle of—" He froze.
It wasn't a wall.
It was Rohan — tall, serious-faced, wearing the golden insignia of a disciple, his fine robes showing the mark of the Council's family. His dark eyes turned downward, locking onto Ansh.
For a second, silence.
Then Rohan's brow furrowed. "Watch where you're going, child."
Ansh blinked up. "You're very tall."
Rohan's jaw tightened. "That's your apology?"
Ashwini stepped in, bowing slightly. "We're sorry. My friend doesn't watch where he walks."
Ansh frowned. "Hey!"
Rohan's gaze drifted from her to Vijay, then to Daav. "Ah, so it's true. Vice principal's little pets are really here."
Ashwini's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean by that?"
Rohan smirked. "Three children, barely learning to hold a sword, yet you're personally trained by the Vice Principal. Tell me — what's so special about you that you deserve his attention?"
Vijay's expression stiffened. "Careful how you speak about our teacher."
"Oh, I'm speaking perfectly clearly," Rohan said smoothly. "Vice Principal Rajyugas' name shouldn't be dragged through the mud by undisciplined children. You don't even understand the power you play with."
Ansh puffed his cheeks. "You sound like an old man."
Rohan's smile faded. "What?"
"I mean—" Ansh shrugged innocently, "—you talk a lot. Like Grandpa Rudradev when he's scolding people."
Vijay coughed to hide his laugh. Ashwini looked away, biting her lip to keep from smiling.
Rohan's eyes narrowed, a muscle twitching in his jaw.
His voice turned sharp. "You may be Rajyugas' disciples, but you're still beneath me."
"Then why are you so mad?" Ansh asked, head tilting. "If we're beneath you, shouldn't you look down and move on?"
Vijay snorted. "He's already looking down. That's the problem."
Ashwini groaned softly. "Stop teasing him, you two."
But it was too late. Rohan's patience was wearing thin. His pride as a champion, as the Council's grandson, was not used to being mocked — especially not by kids.
He turned his gaze cold. "You'll regret that attitude, all of you."
Daav, catching Ansh's mood, chirped defiantly, tiny sparks popping from his wings.
Rohan flinched back slightly from the heat.
"Control your bird before I—"
"Don't you dare," Ashwini warned, stepping between them, her eyes calm but unwavering.
For a long moment, Rohan said nothing. Then he gave a low laugh. "Enjoy your fun, little disciples. The arena will remind you where you truly stand."
He turned and walked away, his cloak trailing behind him like a dark wave. Two other disciples followed him — boys slightly younger, wearing simpler robes but marked with his insignia. They glanced back with smug smiles before following their leader.
The trio stood in silence for a few moments.
Then Ansh grinned. "He's jealous."
Ashwini sighed. "That's not the point."
Vijay smirked. "It's still true."
They laughed again, their voices bright against the hum of the tournament. But beneath their laughter, something lingered — a quiet awareness that they had just made an enemy.
As the afternoon sun dipped, bells rang through the academy grounds, signaling the start of the individual duels for disciples.
Hundreds of names echoed across the magical loudspeakers.
The crowd moved toward the main arenas, the air thick with excitement.
The three friends found a quiet spot near a small garden pond, Daav splashing tiny sparks into the water as they rested.
Ashwini leaned back. "It's been a long day."
Ansh nodded. "Yeah, and I didn't even get to fight anyone yet."
Daav chirped, wings spreading proudly.
Vijay chuckled. "You'll get your chance."
As if summoned by his words, a booming voice echoed from the announcement crystal floating above the garden:
"Ansh Bharadwaj, disciple of Vice Principal Rajyugas — report to Stadium One immediately for your duel!"
All three froze.
Ashwini blinked. "Wait—what?"
Vijay's head snapped toward him. "Ansh… what did you do?"
Ansh's mouth opened, then closed. "I didn't do anything! …I think?"
Daav tilted his head, chirping like he was saying "You definitely did something."
Ashwini stood quickly. "Come on, let's go!"
When they reached Stadium One, the air was buzzing. A crowd had already gathered, whispering.
Ansh's name glowed on the magical display above the arena gate.
Standing inside, arms folded and smirking, was one of Rohan's subordinates — a tall disciple in dark brown robes, a faint shimmer of earth magic glowing beneath his feet.
When he saw Ansh approach, he smiled coldly. "So you're the brat who mocked Senior Rohan."
Ansh frowned. "I didn't mock him. He just talks too much."
The boy's smile darkened. "Then let's see if your mouth still works after this match."
Ashwini's hand found Ansh's shoulder. "Be careful. Don't rush in."
Vijay added quietly, "He's an earth manipulator — strong defense, strong strikes. Keep moving."
Ansh nodded, gripping his sword. "Got it."
Daav landed on his shoulder, tiny flames licking his feathers.
Together, they stepped toward the gate.
The announcer's voice rang out again, echoing across the crowd.
"Next duel — Ansh Bharadwaj versus Dhairav Sen!"
The crowd cheered. Dust rose. The gate opened.
Ansh walked forward, Daav's firelight flickering against his cheek, eyes bright with both excitement and a tiny spark of fear.
The referee raised his hand.
"Begin—"