As the students streamed out of the Grand Hall, groups quickly formed in the wide stone courtyard outside.
Some discussed the principal's speech.
Others compared talents and family backgrounds.
A few had already begun sizing up potential rivals.
Krishak stood quietly beside Rohan, observing the crowd.
He had expected this.
Wherever talented individuals gathered, pride and competition were inevitable.
A commotion rose near the center of the courtyard.
Several students stepped aside as a boy around thirteen years old strode forward.
He wore an expensive uniform embroidered with silver threads, and a jeweled ring gleamed on his finger.
Two other students followed closely behind him.
Rohan's expression tightened.
"That's Vikram Rathore."
Krishak glanced at him.
"You know him?"
Rohan nodded.
"His family is one of the wealthiest in the country. His father is an S-Rank Hunter, and their clan controls several Beast resource companies.
The boy's cultivation was around the peak of the Great Martial Warrior Realm.
For his age, that was impressive.
For Krishak, it was unremarkable.
Vikram stopped before a stone practice pillar in the courtyard.
With a smug smile, he drew back his fist and struck.
The pillar cracked, sending fragments scattering across the ground.
Several students gasped.
Vikram turned toward the crowd with obvious satisfaction.
"Strength," he declared, "is what matters."
His followers immediately applauded.
"Young Master Vikram is incredible!"
"Only someone from the Rathore family could achieve this!"
Vikram basked in the praise
His gaze soon settled on Krishak.
A sneer appeared on his face.
"So," he said loudly, "you're the child who supposedly has Highest Grade talent."
The surrounding students grew quiet.
Vikram crossed his arms.
"Talent tests are just tools. Sometimes they make mistakes."
He looked Krishak up and down.
"You were simply lucky."
Rohan bristled, but Krishak remained calm.
Vikram continued.
"I also heard your parents are merely
A-Class experts.
He laughed derisively.
"My family would never consider people at that level important."
Several nearby students frowned.
Insulting someone's family so openly was in poor taste.
Vikram stepped closer, lowering his voice just enough to sound personal, though everyone could still hear.
"Listen carefully, child."
"Just because you have some rare talent does not mean you belong at the top.
"If you know what is good for you, stay out of my way."
His eyes narrowed.
"Otherwise, neither you nor your family will enjoy the consequences."
Rohan clenched his fists.
But Krishak raised a hand, signaling him to stay calm.
Krishak met Vikram's gaze without the slightest trace of fear.
His voice was soft and steady.
"Are you finished?"
The simplicity of the question caught Vikram off guard.
Krishak continued.
"You seem very proud of your background."
He tilted his head slightly.
"But borrowed prestige is not the same as personal strength."
A few students stifled smiles.
Vikram's face darkened.
Krishak spoke again.
"As for my family, they have earned my respect."
He took one small step forward.
"And anyone who threatens them is making a serious mistake."
For a brief instant, Vikram felt an inexplicable chill.
It was as though he were being watched by something far older and more dangerous than a six-year-old child.
Then the feeling disappeared.
Before the situation could escalate, Instructor Dev appeared.
His sharp gaze swept over the group.
"What is happening here?"
No one answered.
Dev looked at Vikram.
"If you wish to prove yourself, do so through the academy's official evaluations."
His voice hardened.
"Threatening another student and insulting their family is unacceptable."
Vikram gritted his teeth.
"Yes, Instructor."
With one final glare at Krishak, he turned and walked away.
After the crowd dispersed, Rohan exhaled.
"You handled that better than I would
have."
Krishak smiled faintly.
"People like him rely on intimidation because they lack certainty."
Rohan lowered his voice.
"Still, the Rathore family is influential."
Krishak's eyes remained calm.
""Influence does not concern me."
And he meant it.
That night, Krishak sat in meditation.
Vikram's words had not angered him personally.
But the threat against his family had crossed a line.
Krishak did not seek conflict.
However, he never ignored those who endangered the people he cared about.
A faint glint appeared in his eyes.
"If he goes no further, this matter ends here," he thought.
"If not.."
He did not finish the thought.
There was no need.