The morning after the ranking tournament, the atmosphere in Class One was noticeably different.
When Krishak entered the classroom, conversations quieted.
Many students looked at him with a mixture of admiration, curiosity, and caution.
Vikram sat silently near the window, his expression unusually subdued.
Rohan grinned as Krishak took his seat.
"Being the number one student suits " you.
Krishak smiled faintly.
"It changes very little."
Before Rohan could respond, Instructor Dev entered the classroom carrying several books and a crystal projector.
He placed the materials on the desk and wrote two words on the board.
Summoners
Magicians
The students immediately straightened.
These were two of the most fascinating and least understood professions among Awakeners.
Instructor Dev turned to face the class.
"Most of you are familiar with Hunters- individuals who focus on strengthening their bodies and close-combat abilities.
He paused.
"Today, we will discuss two other major paths: Summoners and Magicians."
Krishak listened attentively.
Although he already understood the broader principles, he wanted to learn how Earth classified these professions.
The projector displayed images of humans fighting alongside spiritual beasts.
"Summoners form contracts with intelligent or spiritually compatible creatures," Dev explained.
"These creatures are known as contracted beasts."
The bond allowed both parties to share abilities, senses, and in some cases partial transformations.
A student raised her hand.
"Can anyone become a Summoner?"
Dev shook his head.
"No. Summoning requires a compatible soul signature and sufficient mental strength."
He continued.
"The strongest Summoners do not simply command beasts. They build relationships based on trust."
Krishak thought of his mother, Ama.
Her connection with her contracted beast was one of the reasons she was such a formidable fighter.
Instructor Dev listed the major strengths of the profession.
Multiple combatants working together.
Shared abilities and sensory awareness.
Enhanced scouting and tracking.
Potential for fusion or transformation.
"An experienced Summoner can adapt to many situations," Dev said.
"They are especially valuable in team operations."
Dev's expression turned serious.
"However, Summoners are heavily dependent on their contracted partners.
"If the beast is injured or killed, the Summoner may suffer severe backlash."
"Maintaining several contracts also places great strain on the mind."
The students nodded.
Every path had its risks.
The projector changed to images of Awakeners manipulating elemental forces.
"Magicians specialize in controlling spiritual energy externally," Dev said.
"They use spells and structured energy patterns to produce a wide range of effects."
He listed common magic disciplines:
Fire
Water
Wind
Earth
Lightning
Ice
Light
Darkness
Some rare Magicians also possessed healing, spatial, or mental abilities.
"Magicians excel at long-range combat, area control, and support.
Their attacks could affect large regions and exploit elemental interactions.
A powerful Magician was capable of overwhelming many opponents simultaneously.
"Magicians generally have weaker bodies compared to Hunters."
"They require concentration and consume significant spiritual energy."
"If caught off guard at close range, they are vulnerable."
Dev glanced around the classroom.
"For this reason, Magicians benefit greatly from strong positioning and teamwork."
Instructor Dev folded his arms.
"Regardless of your chosen profession, the fundamentals remain the same."
"A weak foundation limits your future."
"A strong foundation expands your possibilities."
Krishak silently agreed.
This principle was universal.
Rohan raised his hand.
66 "Can someone follow more than one path?"
Dev nodded.
"Yes, though doing so is difficult."
"Some individuals combine physical combat with magic or summoning."
"However, dividing your focus can slow your growth if your foundation is insufficient."
Krishak considered this.
On Earth, professions were viewed as distinct categories.
In the wider cosmos, they were simply different applications of the same principles.
Krishak reflected on his own potential.
His knowledge encompassed body cultivation, energy control, and soul techniques.
In time, he could incorporate aspects of every path.
But for now, his priority remained building an impeccable foundation.
Everything else would come later.
As the class ended, Dev gave the students an assignment.
"Research which profession best matches your abilities and temperament."
He looked around the room.
"Choosing a path is not only about power.
"It is about understanding who you are.
The students left the classroom deep in thought.
Rohan looked at Krishak.
"What about you? Which path will you choose?"
Krishak glanced out the window.
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"I intend to understand them all."
Rohan laughed, assuming it was a joke.
But Krishak was completely serious.