The next morning, the academy stadium was even more crowded than before.
Word had spread quickly.
Today's final rounds would determine the top-ranked first-year student.
Most of the audience had come to witness one particular confrontation.
Krishak Jena versus Vikram Rathore.
The prodigy with Highest Grade talent.
And the proud heir of one of the country's most influential families.
Krishak's semi-final opponent was Aisha Khan.
She was calm, focused, and considerably more disciplined than most students.
As soon as the match began, she used a wind-based movement technique to circle him at high speed.
Krishak observed her quietly.
Her footwork was excellent.
Her timing was sharp.
But the gap between them was too great.
After several exchanges, Krishak redirected her momentum and placed two fingers lightly against her shoulder.
A controlled burst of force disrupted her balance and sent her sliding to the edge of the arena.
The instructor raised his hand.
"Winner: Krishak Jena.
"
Aisha bowed respectfully.
" "Thank you for the lesson."
Krishak returned the bow.
"You fought well."
On the neighboring arena, Vikram defeated Dev Malhotra after a difficult match.
Though victorious, he was breathing heavily by the end.
When he looked toward Krishak, his expression was grim.
The stadium buzzed with anticipation as the final competitors entered the arena.
Vikram's aura flared as he released his cultivation.
Peak Great Martial Warrior.
Krishak stood opposite him with a calm expression.
The contrast between them was striking.
Vikram looked like a warrior preparing for battle.
Krishak looked like a child taking a morning walk.
Vikram glared at him.
"You've had your moment."
He took a step forward.
"I'll show everyone the difference between true strength and a lucky talent."
Krishak met his gaze.
"Then do your best."
The simplicity of the response only irritated Vikram further.
"Begin!"
Vikram exploded forward.
Lightning crackled around his fists as he launched a barrage of attacks.
His speed and power were impressive.
To most students, his assault would have been overwhelming.
Krishak moved with minimal effort.
A slight turn of the shoulders.
A small shift of his feet.
Each strike passed harmlessly by.
The audience watched in amazement.
Vikram was attacking with everything he had.
Yet he could not land a single blow.
Frustration overtook him.
With a shout, Vikram gathered all of his spiritual energy into one final punch.
The arena floor cracked beneath his feet.
This was the strongest attack he could produce.
Krishak's eyes sharpened.
For the first time, he moved decisively.
He stepped forward and delivered a simple palm strike to Vikram's chest.
The force was precise and overwhelming.
Vikram was sent flying across the arena and crashed near the barrier.
The stadium fell silent.
Vikram tried to rise.
His arms trembled, but his body would not obey.
The instructor counted to ten and then raised Krishak's hand.
"Winner of the First-Year Ranking Tournament"
"Krishak Jena!"
The silence shattered into thunderous applause.
Medical staff helped Vikram to his feet.
His expression was filled with shock and humiliation.
Krishak walked over and stopped in front of him.
His voice was quiet enough that only Vikram could hear.
"Your family name may open doors."
66 "But only your own character will determine how far you go.
Vikram lowered his eyes.
For the first time, he had no response.
That afternoon, the final rankings were announced.
1. Krishak Jena
2. Vikram Rathore
3. Aisha Khan
4. Dev Malhotra
5. Rohan Malik
As the top-ranked student, Krishak received additional cultivation resources, unrestricted library access, and priority use of advanced training facilities.
From the viewing platform, Principal Rao watched Krishak with deep interest.
"He possesses more than talent," the principal said quietly.
"He has the bearing of someone who has walked this path for far longer than his years."
Professor Arvind smiled.
"I had the same impression."
By evening, Krishak's victory had spread throughout the academy.
Students now viewed him not merely as a child with extraordinary talent.
They saw him as the strongest first-year student.
Krishak himself remained calm.
The ranking meant little compared to his true goals.
Still, the resources and influence he gained would be useful.
As he stood by his dormitory window, he looked toward the distant stars.
This was only one small step.
The path ahead remained unimaginably long.
And he intended to walk it to the very end.