The success of the first field mission became a major topic of discussion throughout the academy.
Stories spread quickly.
How Krishak had brought down an Ironhide Boar with a single strike.
How he had taken command when Neeraj froze.
How the first-year prodigy had once again demonstrated composure far beyond his age.
For Krishak, the mission was simply another training exercise.
For many others, it was further proof that he was exceptional.
Two days after the mission, there was a knock on Krishak's dormitory door.
When he opened it, he found Vikram standing outside.
The young heir looked unusually serious.
"I'd like to speak with you."
Krishak stepped aside.
"Come in."
Vikram entered and remained standing for several moments before finally speaking.
"I misjudged you."
Krishak said nothing.
Vikram exhaled.
"I thought your talent was just luck."
He lowered his head slightly.
"I was wrong."
For someone as proud as Vikram, the admission was significant.
Krishak nodded.
"What matters is what you do from this point onward."
Vikram met his gaze.
"I still intend to surpass you."
A faint smile appeared on Krishak's face.
"Then continue training."
This time, Vikram smiled as well.
For the first time, there was no hostility between them.
Only rivalry.
In the weeks that followed, Vikram occasionally joined Krishak during morning practice.
Their personalities remained very different.
Vikram was intense and competitive.
Krishak was calm and methodical.
Yet the arrangement benefited both of them.
Krishak offered concise corrections.
"Your shoulders tense before impact."
"
"Your breathing is too shallow.
"Do not commit your full weight until the final step."
Vikram absorbed every piece of advice.
To his credit, he worked hard.
His arrogance gradually gave way to disciplined ambition.
One morning, Rajan watched the two students spar.
Their movements were fast and precise.
Although Krishak still held the clear advantage, Vikram's progress was undeniable.
Afterward, Rajan crossed his arms.
"Competition sharpens talent."
He looked at Vikram.
"You're finally training properly."
Vikram wiped sweat from his brow.
"Yes, Instructor."
Rajan then turned to Krishak.
"And you."
Krishak met his gaze.
"Yes?"
Rajan grunted.
"Keep pushing him."
That night, Master Kiran introduced a new lesson to his first disciples.
For the first time, he allowed them to engage in structured sparring.
Rohan relied on raw power.
Meera used careful positioning.
Arun fought with fierce determination.
The twins demonstrated excellent coordination.
After each bout, Master Kiran analyzed their mistakes in detail.
The students were beginning to understand not only how to fight, but why they won or lost.
Krishak reviewed their current development.
Rohan
Excellent physical strength.
Improving precision.
High-grade talent.
Meera
Exceptional perception.
Outstanding discipline.
High-grade talent.
Arun
Top-grade talent.
Strong combat instincts.
Still refining emotional control.
Kiran and Varun
Moderate individual talent.
Exceptional teamwork.
They were progressing faster than ordinary students because their foundations were being built correctly.
As Krishak cultivated that night, he reflected on the role of competition.
In his previous life, many powerful cultivators had treated rivals as enemies to destroy.
But a worthy rival could also become a catalyst for growth.
Vikram was beginning to understand this truth.
So were his hidden disciples.
Strength was not only about surpassing others.
It was about continually surpassing oneself.
The next morning, Principal Rao addressed the academy over the intercom.
"In one month, the Inter-Academy Junior Tournament will begin."
Excited voices erupted across the campus.
This competition would bring together the most talented students from elite academies across the country.
For many, it was a chance to earn fame and recognition.
For Krishak, it was an opportunity to observe the broader standard of Earth's young cultivators.
As he looked out across the bustling campus, his eyes remained calm.
Another step lay ahead.
And he was ready to take it.