Chapter 7: Academy Bound – Trials and Tests
The Royal Academy of Restro welcomed Akhinesh with an air of anticipation. The sprawling campus was a labyrinth of knowledge, a tapestry woven with the stories of countless students who had sought to uncover the mysteries of the universe. As he set foot within its hallowed halls, Akhinesh felt a surge of excitement and apprehension.
The academy's entrance tests were renowned for their rigor, a gauntlet that separated those with potential from those without. For Akhinesh, there were two paths to prove his worth: the physical challenge of beast hunting and the intellectual challenge of the written test.
In the bustling courtyard, students gathered in groups, discussing strategies and comparing stories of their journeys. Akhinesh observed the camaraderie among them, a reminder of the diverse paths that had converged in pursuit of enlightenment.
The first trial, beast hunting, was a test of strength and resourcefulness. Tier 1 beasts roamed the academy's forested outskirts, their strength formidable but not insurmountable. Akhinesh knew he possessed abilities beyond the ordinary, yet he chose to restrain his godly essence, determined to avoid drawing undue attention.
During the trial, he wielded his bow and arrow with precision, felling his prey with calculated strikes. His strength and dexterity were evident, but he maintained a balance, ensuring he appeared skilled without revealing the full extent of his power. He knew that flaunting his abilities could lead to unintended consequences.
The second trial, the written test, challenged students' knowledge of the continent's history, cultures, and societies. Akhinesh's time spent in the village had given him insights into the lives of mortals, and his curiosity had led him to read extensively. As he sat down to answer the questions, he concealed the depths of his understanding, delivering answers that reflected a curious mind rather than a godly intellect.
Throughout the trials, Akhinesh's deliberate restraint went unnoticed by the academy's assessors. His performance was impressive, earning him nods of approval, yet he maintained the guise of a talented mortal seeking to learn and grow.
As the trials concluded, he found himself among a group of students who had successfully navigated the challenges. Their camaraderie felt genuine, a testament to the bonds that could form even amidst competition. The next phase of his journey awaited—a journey that would lead him to uncover the secrets of his past, the mysteries of the connection between Lila and himself, and the profound truths that had brought him to the Royal Academy of Restro.