Krishak and Lunafang returned to the academy shortly after noon on the third day of the survival trial.
Most students were still filtering through the eastern gate, tired, scratched, and carrying whatever herbs and beast cores they had managed to obtain.
In contrast, Krishak appeared as calm and composed as when he had first entered the forest.
His clothes were clean.
His posture was relaxed.
And Lunafang walked at his side with an aura that was noticeably stronger than before.
Several instructors immediately sensed the change.
Professor Devika's eyes widened slightly.
"Lunafang advanced again."
Headmaster Rudra, standing nearby, observed in silence.
The silver wolf's bloodline fluctuations were purer than when the trial began.
Whatever Krishak had encountered in the forest, he had used it well.
At the registration table, Krishak presented his collected items.
The supervising instructor checked them one by one.
Ten required herbs.
One qualifying beast core.
Additional rare medicinal plants.
• Complete field notes.
The instructor looked up in surprise.
"These notes are more detailed than most advanced students submit."
Krishak nodded politely.
"I recorded what seemed relevant."
The instructor entered a series of high marks into the scoring crystal.
As the remaining participants returned, stories began to circulate.
Nisha Kapoor openly described how Krishak had rescued her group from the Thornscale Serpent.
Other students reported seeing him move through the forest with remarkable efficiency.
Ravi congratulated him sincerely.
"You probably finished the objectives on the first day."
Krishak smiled slightly.
"Almost."
Even Aarav approached with a more respectful attitude.
"I still have a lot to learn."
Krishak inclined his head.
"We all do."
That evening, all first-year students gathered once more in the central arena.
Headmaster Rudra stood before the crowd.
"The midterm examinations have concluded."
He reviewed the rankings and praised the overall performance of the students.
Then he announced the top ten.
When he reached the highest positions, the atmosphere became tense.
"Third place: Aarav Malhotra."
Applause filled the arena.
"Second place: Ravi Sen."
The applause grew louder.
After the ceremony, Headmaster Rudra
escorted Krishak to the academy treasury.
Massive reinforced doors opened to reveal shelves of valuable resources.
Spirit crystals.
Rare herbs.
Ancient manuals.
Beast materials.
Artifacts.
Rudra gestured toward the collection.
"You may choose one item from the outer vault."
Krishak surveyed the shelves carefully.
Many items were useful, but one in particular caught his attention.
A translucent crystal sphere containing a swirling silver mist.
The label read:
Soul-Nourishing Moon Pearl
A treasure capable of strengthening spiritual bonds and nourishing moon-aligned beasts.
Ideal for Lunafang.
Krishak selected it immediately.
An excellent reward
As they left the treasury, Rudra spoke quietly.
"You continue to exceed my expectations."
Krishak answered respectfully.
"Thank you for the opportunities the academy provides."
The headmaster studied him thoughtfully.
"The academy will support your growth.
Then his expression grew more serious.
"But remember that true greatness is measured not only by talent, but by the choices one makes."
Krishak nodded.
"I understand."
Back in his dormitory, Krishak presented the Soul-Nourishing Moon Pearl to Lunafang.
The wolf's eyes widened with excitement.
Krishak placed the pearl between them.
"We'll refine it together.
Lunafang barked happily and pressed his head against Krishak's shoulder.
Their soul bond resonated with shared anticipation.
By the next morning, the results of the midterm examination had spread throughout the academy.
Perfect score on the written exam.
Dominant victories in combat.
Exceptional survival trial performance.
First place overall.
Krishak's status within the academy rose to a new level.
To some, he was an inspiration.
To others, a benchmark they hoped to reach.
To a few, he was a rival who seemed almost impossible to surpass.
Krishak, however, paid little attention to his growing fame.
For him, the midterms were simply another milestone.
The path ahead remained long.
And he had only just begun.