### Chapter 37: The Thunderforge Duel
Kalki settled into the battle simulation pod, the hum of the advanced technology filling his ears as the pod's lid closed around him. The transition to the holographic world was seamless, the familiar confines of the university replaced by the towering peaks and electric storms of Thunderforge Peak. The simulation pods at Nexus University were renowned for their ability to create hyper-realistic battlefields, each mirroring real-world locations with impeccable detail.
The holographic world sprang to life around Kalki, the air crackling with the energy of the thunderous storm. He stood on a rocky outcrop, jagged peaks rising around him, the sky a tumultuous swirl of dark clouds and lightning. The arena was as treacherous as it was magnificent, a perfect challenge for any aspiring warrior.
The match commenced as soon as his opponent entered from the opposite side of the arena. Kalki felt a sudden shift like invisible chains binding him had been loosened. His movements, previously restrained by the simulation's startup phase, were now fluid and unimpeded. He rolled his shoulders, relishing the newfound freedom.
A holographic interface flashed before his eyes, displaying the basic information about his opponent: "Justice Person, Second Year." It was a simple guise, a measure to keep identities hidden until the match concluded. But Kalki had a trick up his sleeve. He mentally activated his system, a secret weapon he rarely revealed.
Like magic, the interface expanded, revealing detailed information about his opponent. Kalki read quickly:
- **Name:** Dhanush
- **Age:** 19
- **Cultivation:** Peak Second Order
- **Affinity:** Fire
- **Mastery:** 5%
- **Skills:** Fireball, Firewall, Fire Steps, Flame Clone (all common tier)
Dhanush appeared at the opposite end of the rocky outcrop, his form solidifying in the holographic environment.
"Dhanush," he thought, his eyes narrowing. "Second year, but all his skills are common tier."
A wave of dissatisfaction washed over him. It wasn't the fact that his opponent was a second-year student—he had expected tough competition. What irked him was that Dhanush, despite his seniority, seemed less powerful than Rook. Kalki had faced Rook during the entrance exam and found him to be a formidable opponent. That was hardly a match that would test his limits.
Across the arena, Dhanush's perspective was quite different. He smirked as he read the basic information about his opponent: "Monarch, First Year."
"A noob," he thought to himself, the overconfidence evident in his stance. "How did this kid get matched with me? Only Rook, Alex, and Ember from the first year can defeat me. This is going to be too easy."
Dhanush's thoughts spilled out as he muttered to himself. "What a joke. Do they think some first-year can stand up to me? I bet he hasn't even heard of the entrance exam battles. If he did, he'd know who the real powerhouses are around here."
Kalki listened in silence, his expression unreadable. He watched Dhanush pace back and forth, clearly too wrapped up in his bravado to notice anything else. Dhanush's recklessness and overconfidence were palpable.
Finally, Dhanush turned to face Kalki directly. "You should know, kid, that stepping into the arena with me is the biggest mistake of your life. You might be 'Monarch' or whatever, but here, you're just a first-year stepping into a world of hurt."
Kalki remained silent, his gaze steady. He let Dhanush's words hang in the air, choosing not to respond. His silence seemed to unnerve Dhanush, who frowned at the lack of reaction.
"What's the matter?" Dhanush taunted, trying to provoke him. "Cat got your tongue? Or are you just too scared to talk?"
Kalki's calm demeanor never wavered. He simply watched, waiting for the right moment to begin the battle. His silence spoke volumes, a quiet confidence that contrasted sharply with Dhanush's loud bravado.
At that moment, it became clear that this duel would not go as Dhanush expected.
In the heat of the arena, Kalki stood unwavering as Dhanush, driven by desperation, unleashed his arsenal. The first fireball, promising in its intensity and speed, surged towards Kalki like a comet aimed for annihilation. To Dhanush's dismay, it wasn't a blazing inferno that greeted him but a scene straight out of a slapstick comedy—Kalki's reaction akin to casually swatting away a cotton ball rather than dodging a lethal projectile.
The silence that followed was palpable, broken only by the bewildered gasps of the audience. Dhanush's expression contorted between disbelief and frustration, his eyes wide with the realization that his most powerful attack had been reduced to a harmless puff. With each successive fireball he hurled, the spectacle only grew more absurd. Kalki, now almost pitying his flustered opponent, watched with a bemused smile as if witnessing a child's futile tantrum against an impervious toy.
The arena, once charged with anticipation, now simmered with an uneasy mix of awe and amusement. Dhanush, his pride scorched more severely than any flame could manage, continued his futile assault, each failed attempt adding to the farcical tableau playing out before the crowd. Through it all, Kalki remained the unruffled center of this comedic storm, a testament to his unyielding power and perhaps a lesson for Dhanush in the harsh realities of facing an opponent vastly beyond his league.
"Why aren't my attacks hurting you?" Dhanush's voice quivered, echoing through the arena's tense silence. Kalki's response was a measured silence, his gaze unwavering as he observed Dhanush's mounting desperation. With practiced ease, Dhanush conjured another fireball, a display of flickering flames barely contained within his trembling hands.
Unfazed, Kalki mirrored the technique, but with a mastery that dwarfed his opponent's effort. The fireball he crafted was a spectacle of elemental fury, swirling with an intensity that seemed to draw power from the very essence of the holographic world around them. Its size grew to eclipse Dhanush's feeble attempt, pulsating with a raw, destructive potential that painted the air with anticipation.
With a flick of his wrist, Kalki unleashed the fireball. It streaked across the arena like a meteorite, leaving a searing trail that crackled with unrestrained power. The atmosphere churned in its wake, a primal force of nature tearing through the fabric of the simulated reality. The fireball hurtled towards Dhanush with such velocity that milliseconds felt like eternities, promising annihilation upon impact.
Dhanush's face contorted in genuine terror as realization dawned too late. The fireball crashed with cataclysmic force, engulfing him in a molten inferno that dissolved the simulated ground beneath his feet. The match ended abruptly, the holographic world resetting amidst the lingering echoes of Kalki's overwhelming victory.
Kalki faced four more matches, each opponent just as weak as Dhanush. The repetitive and unchallenging battles made him lose interest. He closed his battle pod and went to eat something, feeling the need for a real challenge.
The next morning, Kalki found himself with a package containing four distinct sets of uniforms, each tailored to serve different purposes at Nexus University and beyond:
Battle Uniform: This specialized attire featured protective gear integrated with concealed gadgets, adaptive fabric that adjusted to combat conditions, and enhancements designed for durability and agility in intense battles.
Blazer: A sleek, tailored blazer with a modern cut, featuring hidden pockets for gadgets and a subtle glow along the lapel.
Smart Collared Shirt: A breathable, moisture-wicking shirt that adjusts its temperature based on the wearer's needs.
Convertible Trousers: Comfortable flat-front trousers with stretchable, self-repairing fabric.
Leather Dress Shoes: Classic oxfords or loafers suitable for both formal and casual occasions, in versatile shades of navy blue, gray, and black.
As Kalki examined the battle uniform, weighing its protective features against its practicality, Seraph, always attentive to Kalki's reactions, chirped approvingly. Meanwhile, Yaksha, with his trademark wit, couldn't resist another quip.
"Ready for anything now, Kalki? From fiery fireballs to scholarly debates, it seems you've got the attire for every occasion," Yaksha remarked, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
Kalki nodded thoughtfully, appreciating the versatility of his new wardrobe and the underlying technologies that would undoubtedly prove invaluable in both academic pursuits and the unpredictable challenges that lay ahead in his quest.
📜 **Quest Notification:** Brave adventurers and scholars of Nexus University! Kalki's system has initiated a thrilling battle simulation. As a reward for mastering this challenge, Kalki shall upgrade his Weapon Crafting skill to the illustrious Weapon and Mecha Crafting skill.
**New Skill Unveiled: Weapon and Mecha Crafting**
Upon achieving this skill upgrade, Kalki gains the ability to design and construct not only powerful weapons but also formidable mechas. From enchanted swords to towering battle constructs, this skill enables Kalki to delve deeper into the art of crafting, imbuing his creations with enhanced capabilities suited for both scholarly innovation and heroic endeavors.
Prepare for a journey where craftsmanship meets combat prowess—exciting developments await!
When Kalki sees the notification, he remembers about that his system has a skill like battle simulation pod.
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📖 **Author's Note:** Ah, dear readers, if you find yourself drifting off in this chapter, fear not! I'll sprinkle a few spoilers to keep you intrigued. Here's a juicy tidbit: Yaksha, the ever-entertaining AI system that accompanies Kalki, has a knack for adapting to his surroundings. In an unexpected twist, Kalki is about to gain access to a remarkable ability system known as the Tower of Trials. Stay tuned for how this unfolds—it's bound to shake up both the academic halls and the battle arenas!