When Malkhan Singh unleashed his deadly battle technique, it was as if the very sky split open before him.
A three-hundred-yard-long sword cut through the air, its sharp edge pressing straight toward Raktab. The intensity of the strike was so terrifying that even Raktab himself could sense the danger approaching from that single blow.
While the battlefield raged with the dance of death, a completely different scene was unfolding at the academy.
One by one, students stepped forward before the colossal pillar—each waiting for their turn—to discover the true level of power hidden within themselves.
Then, a name was called—
"Tulesh, First Year."
The moment the name echoed through the hall, a soft murmur spread among the students.
The reason was obvious — Tulesh was among the few regarded as prodigies within the academy.
Moments later, the boy stepped forward — tall, handsome, and brimming with confidence.
His calm gait and composed face made it clear that he was no ordinary student.
As soon as his name was announced, whispers began to ripple through the crowd.
"I heard Tulesh already reached the Fifth Star of the Blood Circulation Rank a few months ago," one student whispered.
Another added, "Yeah, and rumor says he even defeated Wilom, who ranked hundredth in the power rankings."
A third spoke excitedly, "I heard that too! After that duel, Tulesh's name spread throughout the entire academy!"
"True," another student nodded. "But let's see how pure his energy really is. Because no matter how strong someone becomes, in the end, the purity of one's energy defines true power."
Many students nodded in agreement.
But in contrast, the girls' eyes sparkled as they gazed at Tulesh — as if they had already lost their hearts to him.
One girl sighed, "Honestly, Tulesh is incredible. I think he's the strongest among all first-year students."
"Yeah…" another smiled, "I could believe that with my eyes closed."
A third girl giggled softly, "He's not only skilled with a sword but also so humble and kind. Maybe that's why every girl feels drawn to him."
Then, another voice spoke up —
"But when it comes to looks, Nivyansh is still the most handsome. Too bad he's weak… and I heard his powers stopped growing altogether."
"True," another girl replied, "he really is the most attractive one — calm, polite, and skilled with a blade. But in the end, strength is everything. No girl would want to be with someone who's weak."
While their chatter continued, a little farther away stood Nivyansh, listening silently.
Behind him, Raunak frowned at their words and muttered, "There's nothing special about that Wilom guy. He just struts around the academy bragging about his power."
Raunak looked at Nivyansh and said with a soft smile,
"Honestly, he's nothing compared to you."
He didn't want Nivyansh to feel inferior.
Prashant then added,
"Yeah, Raunak's right. You're even stronger than him now! And if you two ever face each other, I'm sure you'd defeat him easily."
Nivyansh smiled faintly and replied,
"Look, there's no need to feel jealous. He's a skilled swordsman and works really hard. I've got no ill will toward him."
After pausing for a moment, he continued,
"In fact, if he ever wanted to be my friend, I'd be glad. It would help both of us understand each other better — and improve our training as well."
"And as for fighting him someday…" Nivyansh said calmly,
"If that happens, I won't let him win so easily."
There was no arrogance or challenge in his tone — only quiet confidence.
Hearing that, both Prashant and Raunak felt a little embarrassed about their earlier words.
But Nivyansh knew well — they said it only to encourage him.
---
Meanwhile, Wilom had stepped before the great pillar.
The entire hall fell silent — only the faint hum of energy filled the air.
As he placed his hands on the pillar, a blue glow shimmered from his palms. In an instant, he channeled his energy into the pillar.
Symbols carved upon its surface lit up with brilliant blue light. The air filled with the faint scent of ozone — his lightning-type energy resonating within the space.
The pillar absorbed the energy for a few seconds, then golden letters slowly appeared before him.
A wave of astonishment swept through the crowd.
The words glowed clearly: "Blood Circulation Rank – Sixth Star."
But the real shock came from the purity level — Lightning Core Purity, Rank 7 (Mid Stage).
Gasps filled the hall. Many stood frozen, mouths agape.
Such high purity was considered rare, even among the top students of the academy.
Moments later, the teacher's voice echoed through the hall —
"Wilom — Blood Circulation, Sixth Star. Core Purity, Rank 7 (Mid Stage)."
Thunderous applause followed.
The teacher smiled proudly, "Excellent, Wilom! Keep focusing on your cultivation. You have a bright future ahead."
Even the Headmaster, seated on the elevated dais, seemed impressed. His eyes gleamed — as if he had just discovered something exceptional within Wilom.
The glow from the pillar slowly faded, and soon, murmurs of conversation filled the hall again.
"See, I told you!" one student boasted. "Wilom wasn't even using his full power that day."
Another shouted, "Yeah! His lightning core's purity is beyond expectations! He's definitely the strongest among the first-years now!"
Cheers and chants of Wilom's name echoed around.
Then the teacher called out the next name —
"Prashant — First Year!"
Prashant froze for a second. Nervousness flickered across his face, but in his eyes, a spark of determination shone bright.
Nivyansh placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Prashant, believe in yourself. You can do this."
Raunak grinned, "Yeah! And if you pull this off, even the prettiest girls in the academy won't be able to resist you!"
Prashant rolled his eyes. "Oh, shut up! You always say that."
The three laughed softly, easing the tension.
Prashant took a deep breath, smiled, and stepped forward.
He placed both hands on the pillar.
Within moments, a golden aura surrounded him, and his energy began flowing into the pillar.
Then — glowing letters appeared:
"Blood Circulation Rank – First Star.
Earth Core Purity – Rank 6 (Low Stage)."
The teacher's voice rang out,
"Prashant, First Year — results recorded."
Though his result was ordinary, no one mocked him.
He sighed in relief — at least he had passed.
---
One by one, other students took their turns. Some failed, while others dazzled the crowd with their results.
But among all first-years, Wilom still reigned supreme — the only one to reach the Sixth Star of the Blood Circulation Rank.
His name was on everyone's lips.
After him, a girl stepped forward, achieving the Fifth Star. As she descended from the platform, she glanced at Nivyansh — a faint smirk curving her lips, as if to say she now stood above him.
Time passed slowly. Students waited anxiously for their turns.
Then came Raunak's name.
He strode forward confidently, placing his hands on the pillar. Moments later, the result appeared:
"Blood Circulation Rank – Fourth Star.
Water Core Purity – Rank 6 (High Stage)."
The crowd murmured in mild admiration.
Raunak looked toward Nivyansh, his smile filled with pride and friendship.
And finally — Nivyansh's turn arrived.
The teacher's voice echoed through the hall —
"Nivyansh, First Year."
At once, whispers erupted.
"I heard he's never even reached the Blood Circulation Rank," one student muttered.
"Yeah, so why bother taking the test? He's bound to fail… maybe even get expelled," another added.
"Good looks don't matter," someone sneered. "He might smile all the time, but without power, he's useless."
The murmurs grew — some filled with mockery, others with pity.
But Nivyansh ignored them all.
He took a deep breath, his eyes fixed firmly on the ancient pillar that had decided the fate of so many before him.
Slowly, he stepped forward — each footstep echoing in the vast hall.
Then his eyes met Teacher Bhushan's.
The teacher simply blinked once, signaling him to continue — no words, no questions — just a silent look filled with trust and hope.
Nivyansh nodded.
His eyes gleamed with quiet determination.
He stood before the pillar, the entire hall sinking into silence.
Hundreds of eyes now focused solely on him.
He inhaled deeply, spread his palms, and closed his eyes for a moment — as if calling upon every fragment of power hidden within him.
---
So now the question remains —
Will Nivyansh succeed in this trial?
Will he finally reveal his true strength…
Or will he once again face humiliation?
To find out, continue reading the next chapters of
The Heartless Warrior.