The first specialized Hunter class began before sunrise.
A cold wind swept across the academy grounds as dozens of first-year Hunter students assembled on the outdoor training field.
Most arrived rubbing sleep from their eyes.
Krishak stood quietly at the front, already alert.
Vikram noticed him and frowned.
Even at this hour, the six-year-old looked as calm and composed as ever.
Instructor Rajan strode onto the field carrying a metal whistle.
Without any greeting, he pointed toward the mountain trail behind the academy.
"Twenty kilometers."
The students stared.
Rajan folded his arms.
"You have three hours.
"Run.
"
Groans spread through the group.
Krishak simply started moving.
The others hurried after him.
The trail climbed steadily through rocky terrain and dense forest.
Some students sprinted at the start and quickly exhausted themselves.
Others conserved their energy.
Krishak maintained an even pace, his breathing smooth and controlled.
As he ran, he observed everyone around him.
Rohan's straightforward persistence would have served him well here.
Vikram had excellent speed and strong physical conditioning, but his breathing was less efficient than it should have been.
Several talented students lacked discipline.
Raw ability alone was not enough.
Krishak finished among the first group to return.
Most students collapsed onto the ground.
Rajan gave them only two minutes to recover.
Then came push-ups, squats, sprints, and partner drills.
By noon, nearly everyone was drenched in sweat.
Krishak remained composed.
He allowed himself to appear winded, but his true reserves were barely touched.
After the session, Rajan addressed the exhausted students.
"Strength is not built in comfort."
He paced slowly before them.
"When your muscles burn, your lungs ache, and your legs tremble-that is where growth begins.
He pointed to his chest.
"A Hunter who cannot endure hardship will break the moment real danger appears."
Krishak listened carefully.
The wording differed from his own teachings, but the essence was the same.
That evening, Krishak modified his personal training.
Now that he had reached the Grandmaster Realm, he began introducing more advanced body-control exercises.
He regulated his blood flow to specific muscle groups.
He altered his breathing to strengthen his lungs.
He tightened and relaxed individual tendons to improve explosiveness.
Every movement was deliberate.
Every exercise served a precise purpose.
After several hours of cultivation, Krishak reassessed his status.
Age:
6 years old
Cultivation Realm:
Early Grandmaster
Actual Combat Power:
Peak Grandmaster, approaching King Realm
Earth Equivalent:
Mid to Peak A-Rank
Although his realm had increased only modestly, his control and efficiency continued to improve
Through Master Kiran, Krishak observed his hidden disciples undergoing a similar endurance session.
Rohan pushed through fatigue with stubborn determination.
Meera maintained perfect breathing.
Arun drove himself relentlessly.
The twins supported one another to complete every drill.
Their progress pleased him.
The same principles were taking root in both groups.
Over the following weeks, Krishak distinguished himself in every Hunter class.
He excelled in endurance, technique, and combat awareness.
Though he continued to conceal much of his true ability, instructors increasingly regarded him as exceptional.
Even Vikram's hostility began to shift into reluctant respect.
The gap between them was becoming impossible to deny.
After one particularly demanding session, Instructor Rajan watched Krishak practice alone.
The child's movements were precise and efficient.
No wasted effort.
No unnecessary tension.
Rajan narrowed his eyes.
"That isn't normal talent," he murmured.
"That is mastery."