Krishak had spent the past several days adjusting to life at the National Awakener Academy.
His schedule was already beginning to settle into a comfortable rhythm.
Early mornings were devoted to body control and cultivation.
The day was spent attending lectures, exploring the library, and observing the academy's structure.
The nights were reserved for quiet training and reviewing the memories transmitted by Master Kiran.
For the first time in years, Krishak felt that his plans were progressing smoothly.
That calm lasted until late one afternoon, when a knock sounded on his dormitory door.
Krishak opened the door to find a boy around twelve years old standing outside.
He had short brown hair, a broad smile, and an overstuffed suitcase slung over one shoulder.
The boy blinked when he saw Krishak.
"Wait this is Room 17, right?"
Krishak nodded.
"It is.
The boy stared for a moment.
"You're. Krishak?"
Krishak gave a small smile.
"I assume that means you're my roommate."
The boy laughed awkwardly.
"Right. My name is Rohan Malik."
Krishak raised an eyebrow at the coincidence of sharing the same first name as one of Master Kiran's students, though he said nothing.
Rohan stepped inside and looked around the spacious room.
"I heard the academy only gives private suites like this to special talents. I didn't expect they'd pair me with the famous Highest Grade genius."
Krishak shrugged.
"As long as you don't snore too loudly, we'll get along."
Rohan burst into laughter.
"Deal."
The boy's straightforward and cheerful nature made a favorable first impression.
As Rohan unpacked, he talked almost nonstop.
He came from a middle-class family in the capital and had awakened a High Grade lightning affinity.
Though talented, he lacked the arrogance Krishak had expected from someone admitted to the academy.
Eventually, Rohan asked the question that many students had likely wondered.
"Is it true you shattered the awakening crystal?"
Krishak smiled faintly.
"That's what they say.
Rohan shook his head.
"That's incredible."
He hesitated before adding, "I know everyone expects a lot from you, but hope we can still be friends."
Krishak looked at him and nodded.
"Of course."
The next morning, a message appeared on every student's communicator.
All new students are required to attend the Opening Assembly in the Grand Hall at 9:00 AM. Attendance is mandatory.
Krishak and Rohan changed into their academy uniforms and headed toward the central building.
The Grand Hall was enormous.
Thousands of students filled the tiered seating.
At the front stood a raised stage with the academy emblem engraved behind the podium.
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation.
At precisely nine o'clock, an elderly man with silver hair stepped onto the stage.
His posture was straight, and his presence commanded immediate respect.
The hall fell silent.
The man's voice was calm yet powerful.
"Welcome to the National Awakener Academy."
He introduced himself as Principal Surya Rao.
As Krishak observed him, he estimated the principal's cultivation at the peak of the King Realm.
One of the strongest individuals on Earth.
Principal Rao began by outlining the academy's rules.
1. Violence outside designated training areas was prohibited.
2. Theft, cheating, and deliberate sabotage were grounds for expulsion.
3. Students were expected to uphold the academy's reputation.
4. Respect toward instructors and fellow students was mandatory.
5. Unauthorized exploration of restricted areas was forbidden.
The principal's gaze sharpened.
"This academy rewards excellence, but it does not tolerate misconduct."
The principal then explained the academy's evaluation system.
Students would undergo several forms of assessment:
Monthly written examinations.
Combat evaluations.
Practical survival tests.
Team missions.
Annual ranking tournaments.
Performance in these areas determined resource allocation and advancement opportunities.
"Your results," Principal Rao said, "will shape the resources and guidance you receive."
To graduate from the National Awakener Academy, students were required to:
1. Reach at least the Grandmaster Realm.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in combat and survival.
3. Complete a set number of field missions.
4. Pass the final comprehensive examination.
Those who graduated with distinction would receive direct offers from top organizations, research institutes, and government agencies.
As the principal spoke, Krishak remained calm.
The requirements were rigorous by Earth's standards.
For him, however, they posed little challenge.
What interested him most was the academy's emphasis on practical missions and merit-based rewards.
Such a system would provide access to information, resources, and opportunities.
Exactly what he needed.
Principal Rao's expression turned serious.
"Many of you were considered geniuses before arriving here."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in.
"Within these walls, talent alone means nothing."
"Only discipline, perseverance, and character will determine how far you rise."
Krishak noticed many students straighten in their seats.
The message was simple, but true.
As the assembly concluded, students filed out of the hall in animated discussion.
Rohan grinned.
"This is going to be intense."
Krishak looked around at the countless talented students gathered from across the nation.
A faint smile touched his lips.
"Yes," he said quietly.
"It will."
With that, Krishak stepped into the next phase of his journey.
The academy had laid out its rules.
The competition had begun.
And for the first time, he stood among the brightest young talents on Earth.