The giant screen above the arena flickered as the first-round pairings appeared.
Students scanned the list with anxious expressions.
Rohan exhaled in relief when he saw his opponent.
Vikram crossed his arms, clearly disappointed that he had not been matched against Krishak.
Krishak looked up calmly.
His first opponent was a boy named Kunal Sharma.
Peak Elite Martial Warrior.
A solid C-Rank talent by Earth's standards.
For most first-year students, Kunal was a formidable opponent.
For Krishak, he posed little threat.
The arena floor was made of reinforced stone and surrounded by a transparent energy barrier.
As Krishak stepped inside, a murmur spread through the audience.
"Isn't he only six years old?"
His opponent is much older.
"Even with Highest Grade talent, can he really win?"
Kunal gave Krishak a respectful nod.
"I know you're famous, but I won't hold back."
Krishak returned the nod.
"Nor should you."
An instructor stood between them.
"Begin!"
Kunal immediately rushed forward.
Spiritual energy surged around his fists as he launched a powerful punch.
The movement was fast and decisive by student standards.
To Krishak, however, it seemed straightforward and predictable.
He took a small step to the side.
Kunal's attack passed harmlessly by.
Before Kunal could recover, Krishak extended his right hand and tapped him lightly in the chest.
A sharp burst of force erupted.
Kunal was lifted off his feet and slid several meters backward before collapsing onto the arena floor.
Silence filled the stadium.
The instructor checked Kunal and then raised his hand.
"Winner: Krishak Jena."
The crowd erupted in astonishment.
"One move?"
"He ended the match with a single strike!"
"That didn't even look difficult."
Rohan stared with wide eyes.
"I knew he was strong, but that was ridiculous."
On the viewing platform, several instructors exchanged impressed glances.
Instructor Dev folded his arms and allowed himself a faint smile.
"Perfect timing. Minimal force. Maximum effect."
Vikram's expression darkened.
He had expected Krishak to perform well.
He had not expected such a decisive victory.
One of his followers swallowed nervously.
"Young Master, he may be stronger than we thought."
Vikram snorted.
"He defeated a Peak Elite Martial Warrior. That proves nothing."
Yet inwardly, he no longer felt as confident.
Krishak advanced through several rounds.
Each victory was efficient and controlled.
He never used unnecessary force.
He never revealed his full strength.
And he never required more than a few exchanges.
By the end of the day, he had reached the final bracket.
The only remaining competitors were:
Vikram Rathore
Krishak Jena
Two other top-ranked students
Rohan performed admirably and secured a position within the top fifty.
Though disappointed not to advance further, he was thrilled by his result.
When he returned to the stands, he grinned at Krishak.
"If I make the top ten someday, I'm claiming partial credit for being your roommate."
Krishak chuckled softly.
" "That seems fair."
At the end of the day, provisional rankings were displayed.
1. Krishak Jena
2. Vikram Rathore
3. Aisha Khan
4. Dev Malhotra
The final placements would be determined after the championship matches.
Vikram stared at the ranking board, his jaw tightening.
He had spent years being praised as a genius.
Now, for the first time, someone else stood above him.
Back in his dormitory, Krishak sat by the window and reviewed the day.
He had revealed only a fraction of his abilities.
Yet that fraction had been enough to dominate his opponents.
He received the latest memories from Master Kiran.
His hidden students were progressing steadily.
The dual paths of his life-public student and secret teacher-continued side by side.
Krishak looked up at the moonlit sky.
Tomorrow, he would likely face Vikram.
The arrogant young master wanted to prove himself.
Krishak had no personal interest in humiliating him.
But if Vikram insisted on standing in his way, then the lesson would be unavoidable.