The final day of the under-ten division arrived.
The stadium was filled to capacity.
What had begun as a routine national youth tournament had become a major event.
At the center of that attention stood one extraordinary child.
Krishak Jena.
Six years old.
Hunter.
Top-grade talent.
And now, finalist of the National Junior Tournament.
Across from him stood Daniel Fernandes, the nation's most gifted young Summoner.
Beside Daniel sat his bonded companion, Astra—a silver wolf whose eyes gleamed with intelligence.
Together, they had defeated every opponent through flawless coordination.
Today, only one would claim the championship.
Daniel bowed politely.
"I've been waiting for this."
Krishak returned the gesture.
"As have I."
Astra lowered its body, ready to spring.
The referee raised his hand.
"Begin!"
Daniel and Astra moved as one.
Daniel formed spiritual constructs to pressure Krishak from a distance while Astra attacked from the side.
Their teamwork was excellent.
Most opponents would quickly become overwhelmed.
Krishak, however, remained composed.
He avoided Astra's first lunge and slipped between Daniel's attacks with precise footwork.
For several minutes, the battle continued.
Daniel adjusted his tactics repeatedly.
Astra feinted.
Daniel trapped.
Krishak responded with calm efficiency.
He never wasted a movement.
Never overcommitted.
Never lost awareness of either opponent.
The crowd watched in fascination.
It seemed less like a child competing and more like a master conducting a lesson.
At last, Krishak noticed a subtle flaw.
Daniel and Astra coordinated perfectly during offense.
But after Astra's third rapid lunge, there was a fraction of a second before Daniel's next technique fully formed.
That instant was enough.
Krishak accelerated.
He sidestepped Astra's leap.
Tapped Daniel's wrist to disrupt his spell.
And placed his palm gently against Daniel s chest.
At the same moment, his other hand rested against Astra's forehead.
Both froze.
The referee raised his hand.
"Winner and National Champion: Krishak Jena!"
The stadium erupted.
Thousands of spectators rose to their feet.
Applause thundered through the arena.
At six years old, Krishak Jena had become the strongest under-ten Awakener in the nation.
Daniel exhaled and smiled.
"I don't feel bad losing to you.
Krishak lowered his hands.
"You and Astra fought beautifully."
Daniel bowed deeply.
"So did you."
Later that evening, the finalists stood on the podium.
Third place: Serena Roy.
Second place: Daniel Fernandes.
First place: Krishak Jena.
President Arjun Mehta placed a gold medal around Krishak's neck.
"You have a remarkable future ahead of
"
you."
Krishak bowed.
"Thank you, President."
The audience cheered once more.
By the end of the day, Krishak's victory was national news.
Every major academy knew his name.
Powerful families and organizations began investigating his background.
A six-year-old with no major lineage had defeated the best talents in the country.
Many considered it unprecedented.
Backstage, Rajan placed a hand on Krishak's shoulder.
"Well done."
Principal Rao smiled warmly.
"You have brought great honor to the academy."
Vikram grinned.
"I'm going to catch up to you one day.
Krishak smiled.
"I look forward to it."
That night, Krishak stood alone on the balcony of the tournament complex.
The gold medal rested quietly in his hand.
To others, this victory was extraordinary.
To him, it was simply another step.
Earth had shown him its finest young talents.
Their potential was real.
And with proper guidance, that potential could one day extend far beyond the King Realm.
Krishak looked toward the stars.
The journey had only just begun.