The announcement of the Inter-Academy Junior Tournament transformed the atmosphere of the National Awakener Academy overnight.
Students who had once trained diligently now pushed themselves even harder.
Conversations in the cafeteria, dormitories, and training halls revolved around one topic.
Who would represent the academy?
The tournament was more than a competition.
It was a national stage.
Outstanding participants could attract the attention of powerful families, elite instructors, and government organizations.
For many students, it was the opportunity of a lifetime.
For Krishak, it was a chance to measure Earth's most talented youth.
Later that day, Principal Rao gathered the first-year Hunter students in the main arena.
"The academy will select a limited number of representatives from each profession," he announced.
"Selection will be based on strength, combat ability, discipline, and potential.
He looked directly at the assembled students.
"Talent alone is not enough.
Vikram crossed his arms.
Rohan swallowed nervously.
Krishak stood quietly, his expression unchanged.
Over the next several weeks, the training schedule became significantly more demanding.
Morning:
Endurance runs
Strength circuits
Flexibility and mobility drills
Afternoon:
Combat classes
Tactical simulations
Team exercises
Evening:
Sparring sessions
Meditation
Recovery
Most students were exhausted.
Krishak viewed the additional workload as useful refinement.
He continued to conceal much of his true strength while steadily improving his body control.
Krishak had entered the Early Grandmaster Realm, but he remained in no hurry to advance.
Instead, he focused on consolidating every gain.
He compressed his spiritual energy.
Purified lingering impurities.
Strengthened tendons and marrow.
And improved the synchronization between mind, body, and spirit.
Though his cultivation realm had not changed, his effective combat power continued to increase.
At the end of the month, Krishak reviewed his progress.
Age:
6 years old
Cultivation Realm:
Early Grandmaster
Actual Combat Power:
Peak Grandmaster to Early King Realm
Earth Equivalent:
Peak A-Rank to Early S-Rank
In practical terms, he could now challenge weaker S-Rank Awakeners despite being officially only a Grandmaster.
Vikram's development was equally impressive, though not on Krishak's level.
The once-arrogant heir had become more disciplined and focused.
Vikram's Estimated Status
Cultivation Realm: Peak Great Martial Warrior
Combat Power: Early Grandmaster
Earth Equivalent: High B-Rank to Early A-Rank
He remained determined to close the gap.
The first-year representatives were announced.
Hunter Division:
1. Krishak Jena
2. Vikram Rathore
Magician Division:
1. Aisha Khan
Summoner Division:
1. Leena Verma
Though the national team also included older students, these first-years drew considerable attention.
That night, Master Kiran informed his hidden disciples about the upcoming tournament.
Rohan's eyes widened.
"Will you compete, Master?"
Kiran smiled faintly.
"My original body will."
The students exchanged excited looks.
To them, their mysterious teacher was about to stand on a national stage.
Back in his dormitory, Krishak stood by the window.
The tournament would expose him to the best young cultivators Earth currently possessed.
It would also expand his reputation and influence.
Both were useful.
But his true goal remained unchanged.
To raise humanity beyond its current limits.
Krishak closed his eyes.
The path ahead was still long.
Yet each new challenge brought him one step closer to the future he envisioned.