The Dwaarakaa Kingdom is one of the many Kingdoms in the of the Maanasa Continent. It is ruled by King Paartha and Queen Subhadraa. They are benevolent rulers, and the Kingdom continues to prosper under their rule. The have 3 children - Prataapa the 1st born son and the Crown Prince; Varchaswa, the Second Prince and Princess Khyaati, the youngest of the 3 siblings.
Today, the 10th of Phalguna, Year 5047 as per the Lunar Calendar of Dwaarakaa, is a very special day for the citizens of the Dwaarakaa Kingdom. It is because of the Admission Process for the New Students at the National Academy of Magic, Marital Arts and Military Warfare is going to take place.
The Training Grounds of the National Academy of Magic, Martial Arts and Military Warfare situated in Gokul, the capital city of Dwaarakaa Kingdom was crowded today.
"Good day Instructor Vidyaa!" Instructor Gyaana greeted his colleague.
Instructor Vidyaa politely replied to his greeting, "Good day to you too Instructor Gyaana."
Instructor Gyaana asked, "Today is going to be a challenging day. Are you ready?"
Instructor Vidyaa answered, "Of course. The admission process for selection of freshmen is no joke after all. All department heads are present today. By the way, do you have any idea of the teacher who is in-charge this year?"
Instructor Gyaana smirked and said, "This year its Senior Instructor Pareekshaa."
"Oh! It is going to be tough for freshmen. She is a tough lady and very strict with her evaluation after all" said Instructor Vidyaa.
Instructor Gyaana said, "Well our National Academy of Magic, Martial Arts & Military Warfare has to maintain a certain level of standard, so I don't think it is too much."
Instructor Vidyaa inquired, "By the way, he will be applying too right?"
Instructor Gyaana replied with a question of his own, "Are you talking about the Second Prince 'Varchaswa', who is rumoured to have awakened the Legendary Lightning Element?"
Instructor Vidyaa answered, "Yes. It has been decades since someone received a lightning awakening in our Dwaarakaa Kingdom.
Three years ago there was a young man who awakened the Legendary Wind Element in Ayodhyaa Kingdom, while the third Prince of the Vijaya Nagaram Empire awakened the Legendary Earth Element. Also, two years ago the Princess of the Great Mauryan Empire awakened the Legendary Fire Element.
Hence the Second Prince awakening the Legendary Lightning element is indeed a blessing for our Kingdom."
Instructor Gyaana commented, "That is true. We have been the second lowest ranked Military in the Subcontinent in the last two Championships. With this I hope we will be able to turn things around.
I have heard he was trained in Military Strategy by Prime Minister 'Vidura' since he was 6 years old and is considered a genius. I am waiting for the day when Principal Varchaswa commands our Military."
And their conversation continued for a while.
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Varchaswa, the Second Prince of the Dwaarakaa Kingdom, was on his way to the National Academy of Magic, Martial Arts and Military Warfare; with his two apprentices Khyaati and Vaibhavee. Khyaati was his sister and the only Princess of Dwaarakaa Kingdom. Vaibhavee was a Princess of Sinhaalaa Kingdom.
Both Khyaati and Vaibhavee are considered exceptionally beautiful by the public and have already received many proposals from other Nobles and Royals for engagement, although they are only 14 years old.
Varchaswa explained to Vaibhavee, "The National Academy of Magic, Magic, Martial Arts and Military Warfare was founded by the first King Shyaama of the Dwaarakaa Kingdom. It has four major Curricula – Magic, Martial Arts, Combat and Military Strategy. They are further divided based for specialization in special arts, elements or weaponry.
The course duration is of 4 years and one chooses a specific course for graduation. However, certain geniuses graduated in two or more courses. And they may get a chance to graduate early as well.
The current Principal of the Academy is the retired General Bheeshma. The National Academy boasts of the best Instructors and facilities even amongst the other kingdoms of the Bhaarata sub-continent.
The students do not need to pay any fee. The expenses are born by the Royal Family. The King is the de-facto Chancellor of the Academy. Admission is only based on merit and status does not matter."
Once the explanation of Varchaswa ended, Vaibhavee, the Sinhaalaa Princess asked, "So is there any age requirement?"
Khyaati, the Dwaarakaa Princess replied, "Anyone over the age of thirteen can apply, however, people generally apply after they awaken their element. However, exceptions do exist. Our eldest brother Prataapa is an example."
Vaibhavee curiously asked with some expectation, "So can I join?"
Varchaswa answered, "Of course, you can! In fact, I plan for the both of you to join with me."
The three of them finally reached the academy.
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The stage was decorated. There were two empty thrones reserved for the King and the Queen. On the left of the thrones, Prime Minister Vidura was seated. On the right, the Principal Bheeshma was seated. The guard announced the arrival of the King.
"Hear ye, hear ye. Announcing the arrival of His Majesty the King Paartha Dwaarakaa and Her Majesty the Queen Subhadraa Dwaarakaa."
At this announcement everyone got up and welcome them. After the King and Queen took the throne, everyone settled down.
King Paartha inquired, "Principal Bheeshma, is the post of the Vice-Principal still vacant?"
Bheeshma replied with a hint of embarrassment, "Your Majesty, unfortunately since Sir 'Krupaa' retired last year suddenly, we couldn't fill the position. But we hope to conduct a competition between department heads to finalize the position soon."
King Paartha commented, "Good. The sooner the position is filled the better it is for our nation."
Bheeshma said, "It is as you say, Your Majesty."
The Principal stood up and announced the start of selection process for the admission. Pareekshaa, the Senior Instructor was the chosen as the Chief Evaluator this time. Only the Principal or the King could override her decision.
As per the law, the candidates can choose any Senior students, Instructors or Senior Instructors for a mock battle. Military Warfare course aspirants could challenge a Captain or a Commander. Winning wasn't compulsory to get admission. Demonstrating one's ability was good enough.
The candidates began to challenge according to their abilities. Varchaswa requested to go last and was granted permission for the same. People felt it was only formality at this point. With the legendary awakening and his status his admission was all but confirmed.
Finally his turn arrived. To everyone's surprise he did something that was not only unexpected but outrageous. He challenged the Dhanu, the head of Department of Archery.
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Chapter End.