Aditya stood in the center of the courtyard of the grand academy of Practitioners. The air was thick with the murmur of examinees, a mix of ambition, anxiety, fear, and determination palpable among the young aspirants from across the continent.
"Silence!"
The sudden command cut through the murmurs like a knife, bringing an abrupt hush over the courtyard. The voice was deep and bold, resonating with an authority that demanded instant obedience. It seemed to echo from the very stones of the academy, a sound that carried weight and power.
Every examinee turned their heads swiftly toward the source of the voice. A middle-aged man with a strong build and a stern face strode into the courtyard from the entrance near the main hall. His presence was commanding, with broad shoulders and a chiseled jawline that spoke of both physical prowess and discipline.
