The next morning, the Bharadwaj Academy roared with life.
Flags bearing the tribe's crest fluttered in the mountain wind, golden against the blue sky. The vast training ground — now transformed into a grand battle arena — shimmered with protective runes to contain the chaos that was sure to follow.
Learners from every subsidiary academy had gathered — hundreds of them — each hoping to climb a rank and earn the coveted title of Student.
Ansh, Ashwini, and Vijay sat on a high platform reserved for disciples, their feet dangling over the railing as they looked down.
"Woah…" Ansh whispered, eyes wide. "There's so many of them!"
Daav perched on his head, chirping approvingly. The air buzzed with anticipation.
Ashwini nodded, calm but focused. "This round decides who becomes a full student. It's important."
Vijay folded his arms. "It's also where the academy finds its hidden talents."
Ansh grinned. "So basically, a huge brawl to see who's cooler."
Ashwini sighed. "You're impossible."
The Announcer's Voice
A booming voice echoed through the arena.
"Welcome, learners of Bharadwaj Academy and its branches! Today begins your trial by combat — your chance to rise!"
Cheers erupted like thunder.
"The fights will be one-on-one! Victory by defeat or surrender! The barrier will prevent fatal harm — though pain is guaranteed!"
Ansh elbowed Vijay. "Sounds fun."
Vijay didn't even look at him. "You're insane."
A Storm of Matches
What followed was chaos — beautiful, blazing chaos.
Hundreds of duels erupted one after another across the sprawling arena fields. Fire clashed with ice, blades met lightning, and winds tore through waves. Every strike drew cheers from the crowd, every defeat earned quiet respect.
The three disciples watched match after match, pointing out favorites, flaws, and flashes of brilliance.
But a few fights stood out.
Fight One – The Wind Duel
Two boys stepped into the circle — one tall with braided hair, the other short and wiry with twin daggers.
"Rayan of the Eastern Branch!"
"Kito of the Cliff Base!"
"Begin!"
Kito darted forward, daggers flashing like silver streaks. Rayan spun his spear, conjuring slicing gusts that left scars in the air.
Dust exploded as they clashed mid-spin — then in a blink, Kito slipped behind him, landing a sharp strike to the neck.
"Winner — Kito of the Cliff Base!"
The crowd roared.
Ansh whistled. "That was awesome!"
Fight Two – Fire vs. Water
"Lira of the Southern Springs!"
"Tamir of the Ember Hall!"
Steam hissed before the match even began.
When it did, the arena became a cauldron — flames roared, water surged, and both refused to yield.
When the mist cleared, they stood facing each other, burned and drenched, smiling through exhaustion.
The announcer called it a draw — and the audience loved it.
Ansh grinned. "Now that's teamwork — except they were trying to kill each other!"
Fight Three – The Stone Titan
"Grath of the Iron Ridge!"
"Pomi of the Flower Field!"
A mountain of muscle versus a girl holding a pouch of seeds.
"Begin!"
The ground split as Grath charged, but glowing vines burst from the soil, wrapping his legs tight. The giant stumbled, fell — and stayed down.
"Winner — Pomi!"
Laughter rolled through the crowd. Even Vijay cracked a smile. "Tactics beat strength."
Fight Four – The Blade and Chain
"Rakesh of the Desert Forge!"
"Naomi of the Eastern Spire!"
Rakesh's twin swords clashed against Naomi's spinning chain. Metal sang in the air.
When her chain finally shattered, Rakesh closed the distance and ended it clean — blades crossed before her heart.
"Winner — Rakesh!"
Ashwini nodded. "Balanced. No wasted movement."
Fight Five – The Music Mage
The next fighter carried… a flute.
"Mel of the Harmonic Path!"
Her melody shimmered like sunlight. Each note slowed her opponent's attacks until his blade slipped from numb fingers.
When the song ended, silence fell — then applause thundered across the arena.
Ansh beamed. "She literally played him into defeat!"
As the final fights ended, banners across the arena changed color — signaling the end of the learner trials.
From hundreds, only ten were chosen. The rest watched with admiration and determination in their eyes.
"The preliminary learner trials are complete!" the announcer declared.
"The top ten have earned their ranks as Students!"
Cheering shook the mountain walls.
Ansh jumped to his feet. "That was insane! Every one of them fought like they had something to prove!"
Ashwini smiled. "They did. For many, this was their first real step forward."
Vijay stood, gaze turning serious. "The next stage will be tougher Student-level battles."
Ansh grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Good. It's about time for actual fun."