"So this is it," Jai Veer thought, tightening his grip on the sword. "To get into Aaroha Academy, I have to defeat a peak 9-star Jagruti (Awakening) stage cultivator!? Alright then... time to put everything on the line."
"Begin!" the teacher of Arena 3 called out loudly.
Without hesitation, Jai Veer and Anmol Ratan charged at each other, swords drawn, magical energy crackling in the air around them. Steel clashed. Sparks flew. Their blades danced with terrifying speed, each strike met with a perfect parry. The crowd held its breath—every move a hair's breadth from disaster. Neither of them backed down.
At one point, Jai Veer's sword grazed Anmol's ribs. Anmol retaliated with a sweeping arc, the blade nearly slashing across Jai Veer's chest. The audience gasped—every strike came within inches of something vital.
"What the hell... this kid is going blow for blow with me?" Anmol thought, sweat beading along his temple. "He's not even on my level."
Frustrated, Anmol jumped back. His sword began glowing with energy. "I've had enough of this close combat," he muttered. "Let's finish it from a distance."
He raised one hand. "Fire Strike!"
A blazing beam of fire erupted from his palm, roaring toward Jai Veer like a miniature sun. Jai Veer raised his sword, channeling his energy to block—but the sheer force was overwhelming. His arms trembled under the pressure. The blast shoved him backward, burning through his defenses. Flames licked at his sleeves and scorched his shoulder.
He managed to stay on his feet—but he was clearly injured.
"He's powerful... but not unbeatable," Jai Veer thought, panting.
Anmol narrowed his eyes. "Still standing?" A twisted smile curled on his lips. "Let's see how you handle this—360 Sword Shower!"
Suddenly, glowing swords materialized all around Jai Veer—from the north, south, east, and west—all pointing straight at him.
Jai Veer's eyes widened. "This many? I can't block all of them with one sword…" He exhaled slowly, lowered his stance, and drove his sword into the ground.
"Sword Shield 10x!" He shouted.
A radiant barrier surged outward in a circular arc, layered and glowing with pulsing energy.
Anmol stared in disbelief as his summoned blades launched at Jai Veer—one after another—and shattered harmlessly on contact. The shield didn't even crack. Inside the barrier, Jai Veer let out a yawn and casually stretched, like he had just woken up from a nap to mock Anmol Ratan.
"You've got to be kidding me!" Anmol growled. "He's treating this like some kind of joke!"
Rage contorted Anmol's face. "Fine," he said in a low, dangerous tone. "Let's end this."
He raised both hands high. His aura exploded outward. "Lion's Claw!"
From the space before him, a massive, golden spectral claw began to form—its razor-sharp nails radiating deadly energy. The pressure alone made Jai Veer's knees shake.
"If that thing hits me, I'm done for." His shield had already drained most of his energy. He had nothing left to defend himself—except one last option.
A few hours earlier, while watching other matches, Jai Veer had turned to Anvi.
"Hey… Can I ask you something?" he'd said.
"Sure," she'd replied without taking her eyes off the arena.
"Is it allowed to use pills during a match?"
She blinked, surprised. "Technically yes… but most people don't have any. The academy doesn't hand them out at this level, and clans rarely give them to younger disciples."
Jai Veer had silently nodded, storing that information away.
Now, as the claw bore down on him, he pulled out a shimmering golden pill from his storage ring.
"It's time," he whispered and swallowed it.
A brilliant light exploded around him. His body surged with power. His cultivation soared—past the peak of the Jagruti (Awakening) stage, breaking through directly into 2-star Siddhi (Spiritual Mastery). Gasps echoed throughout the arena.
"W-What the—?" Anmol stuttered, frozen in place.
Before the claw could hit him, Jai Veer poured his newfound strength into his sword and slashed upward.
The claw shattered into golden dust.
"Where… where did you get a pill like that?" Anmol demanded, stunned.
Jai Veer smirked. "You ask way too many questions."
With a flick of his wrist, he sent a wave of energy barreling toward Anmol. It struck with the force of a landslide.
Anmol flew through the air and crashed hard onto the ground, groaning in pain.
"Match 17 of Arena 3—Winner: Jai Veer!" the teacher announced.
The crowd erupted in cheers and murmurs of disbelief.
Jai Veer stepped down from the platform, swaying slightly. He spotted Anvi in the crowd and walked toward her.
"Well… congrats," she said, smiling proudly and patting his shoulder. "You're officially part of Aaroha Academy now, Veer."
"Thanks," he whispered.
Then his eyes rolled back—and he collapsed on her shoulder.
"Veer?!" She caught him just in time, barely keeping him upright.
She rushed him to the academy's medical tent.
"Sir! Please help! He just passed out!" Anvi worried out.
The medical instructor scanned him with a magical wave of his fingers. "Relax. He's fine. He just overexerted himself, using energy way beyond his limits. He'll regain consciousness soon."
Anvi let out a deep breath. "Thank you…"
—
About an hour later, Jai Veer stirred. "Ugh… did I faint?" he mumbled, blinking up at the ceiling.
"You're finally awake," Anvi said, arms crossed, sitting by his side.
"How long was I out?"
"About an hour and a half," she replied, standing up. "You're okay now. Just take care of yourself."
"Thanks for everything, Anvi," he said, offering a faint smile.
She paused at the tent entrance. "You better get some rest. The three-month forest hunting mission starts soon."
And then she was gone.
Jai Veer slowly sat up, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Just like Dad said… the Tristar Pill takes you straight to three stars ahead. Even if it's temporary and the cultivator collapses within a few minutes."
He checked his cultivation. "Back down to 8-star Jagruti (Awakening)… but if I train hard during these next three months, I can break through again. I have to reach the next stage in the three-month hunting mission."
He crossed his legs into a meditative pose, closed his eyes, and began channeling his energy, letting the healing begin.