The second phase of the midterm
examination was held in the academy's main arena.
By dawn, the circular stadium was filled with students, instructors, and even a number of invited guests from influential families. The practical combat test was one of the most anticipated events of the term. Written examinations measured knowledge, but combat revealed how effectively a student could apply that knowledge under pressure.
At the center of the arena stood ten elevated platforms.
Each platform was protected by defensive formations to prevent stray attacks from injuring spectators.
Large crystal screens displayed the names of the participants and recorded results in real time.
Krishak arrived early with Lunafang walking at his side.
The silver wolf had drawn significant attention over the past few months, but his calm demeanor and obvious intelligence continued to impress both students and teachers.
Headmaster Rudra stepped forward and addressed the crowd.
"The practical combat examination will assess control, tactics, adaptability, and composure."
"Victory alone is not the only criterion."
"Those who fight intelligently will be rewarded accordingly."
The combat phase consisted of two rounds.
Round One: Academy Constructs
Students would battle combat puppets calibrated to their level.
Round Two: Student Matches
Selected students would face one another directly.
Summoners were permitted to fight alongside their contracted beasts.
The use of lethal force was strictly prohibited.
Healing staff and protective formations would intervene if necessary.
Krishak's first opponent was a bronze combat puppet equivalent to the Peak Elite Martial Warrior Realm.
For most first-year students, this would be a serious challenge.
For Krishak, it was insignificant.
The match began.
The puppet lunged forward with mechanical precision.
Krishak sidestepped and delivered a single palm strike to the puppet's core.
The construct froze and shut down instantly.
Total time: 1.8 seconds.
A murmur spread through the stadium.
Even several instructors exchanged surprised looks.
Headmaster Rudra smiled faintly.
Summoner students were then evaluated in partner combat.
Krishak and Lunafang entered the arena together.
Their opponents were two synchronized constructs.
At the signal, Krishak moved directly toward the stronger puppet.
Lunafang vanished using Shadow Concealment.
A heartbeat later, the silver wolf reappeared behind the second construct and struck its weak point.
Krishak disabled his own opponent almost simultaneously.
Both targets fell within moments.
The audience erupted in applause.
Professor Devika clapped openly.
After several rounds, Aarav stepped onto the platform.
His fire talent was impressive, and he defeated his opponents decisively.
When his match ended, he turned toward Krishak.
"I request a direct duel."
The arena grew quiet.
The exam coordinators looked to Headmaster Rudra.
The old man nodded.
"Approved."
Aarav entered the platform with confident steps.
Flames flickered around his fists.
Krishak stood opposite him, calm as ever.
Lunafang sat at the edge of the arena. Because Aarav fought alone, Krishak chose to do the same.
The signal sounded.
Aarav attacked aggressively, launching a barrage of fire-enhanced punches.
Krishak evaded with minimal movement.
Every strike missed by a narrow margin.
The contrast was striking.
Aarav relied on power and emotion.
Krishak relied on precision and control.
Frustration quickly clouded Aarav's judgment.
He committed to a reckless full-power charge.
Krishak stepped aside, redirected the attack, and tapped two points on Aarav's arm and shoulder.
Aarav's body lost balance.
He crashed to the platform.
Before he could rise, Krishak placed a palm inches from his chest.
The match was over.
Silence hung over the arena for a moment.
Then the referees announced:
"Winner: Krishak."
Krishak withdrew his hand and offered Aarav assistance.
For a moment, the boy hesitated.
Then he accepted it and stood.
Krishak said quietly, "Strength without control creates openings.
Aarav lowered his eyes.
For the first time, his arrogance seemed genuinely shaken.
At the end of the combat examination, the rankings were updated.
1. Krishak Veer
2. Ravi Sen
3. Aarav Malhotra
Krishak's dominance was undeniable.
His victories were swift, efficient, and completely controlled.
Yet he had still revealed only a fraction of his true strength.
The final stage remained.
The Azurewood Forest survival trial.
And for the first time, students from every class understood that competing against Krishak would require more than talent alone.