I consulted my map, locating the sect members at the training grounds. Curiosity got the better of me, and I hastened towards the area.
Upon arrival, I discovered that the fights had already commenced. The competition was spread across five stages, featuring Arpita, Akshara, Shiv, and two other cultivators whose names I couldn't quite recall. I remembered them from class, knowing they were skilled but still inferior to the top ranks.
My attention was divided between two stages, where I found Shiv facing off against Raj and Arpita battling my brother, Eshu. I instinctively brought my hand to my head, worried about the outcome. How had Eshu progressed so quickly? The little one had already begun to fight; what lay ahead for me?
Torn between supporting my brother and my friend, I decided to remain neutral, choosing not to cheer for either side. Whoever emerged victorious would be a testament to the sect's strength.
The other three matches unfolded at a steady pace, with contestants exchanging blows and showcasing their techniques. However, the duel between Shiv and Raj stood out – their fighting style was remarkably aggressive, each strike aimed at defeating the other.
Their relentless exchange of blows left me on edge, wondering how long they could sustain such intensity without succumbing to exhaustion or injury. It was as if they had abandoned all caution, driven solely by the desire to emerge victorious.
I watched intently, analyzing their strategies and anticipating the outcome. Who would triumph in this clash of titans?
As I observed the matches, one bout caught my attention due to its stark imbalance. A young cultivator from the Royal Sect, Adi, wielded a massive hammer, overpowering his opponent, Abhi, from our sect. The fight was painfully one-sided, with Adi toying with Abhi, his blows precise and relentless.
From the conversation around me, I gathered that Adi was the strongest fighter from the Royal Sect. Abhi, despite his valiant efforts, struggled to counter Adi's crushing strength. The hammer's weight and Adi's mastery of it left Abhi reeling.
In contrast, Akshara's fight progressed smoothly. His opponent, though skilled, was no match for Akshara's ferocity and mastery of the martial arts. Akshara's movements were fluid, his strikes precise, and his aura intimidating. His opponent trembled, fearing Akshara's killing intent, which seemed to emanate from every pore.
As I watched, I realized that Akshara was holding back of his true power. If he were to unleash his full potential and even his killing aura nearly all the students present would kneel in submission. His reputation as the strongest cultivator in his realm was well-deserved.
Meanwhile, Arpita's match against Eshu reached its climax. Though Eshu demonstrated impressive skill, his physical strength and balance were slightly off, allowing Arpita to gain the upper hand. With a decisive blow, Arpita emerged victorious.
As I observed Eshu's performance, I considered offering him training to enhance his balance and physical power. His potential was evident, but refinement was necessary to bridge the gap between him and his peers.
The outcome of the other matches remained uncertain, but one thing was clear: Akshara and Arpita had solidified their positions as top contenders. Their prowess would undoubtedly inspire awe and trepidation in their peers.
As Eshu spotted me, he sprinted towards me and enveloped me in a tight hug. Prapti followed suit, embracing me warmly. Their affectionate gestures sparked surprise and gossip among onlookers.
"Isn't she the girl who can't carry a heavy sword?" someone whispered. "Look how prized talents Eshu and prapti are hugging her!" The murmurs spread, attracting attention.
Akshara, sensing the escalating tension, intervened with a swift swing of his arm, dispatching the Magic Sect member who had initiated the gossip. Our sect members, now enraged, confronted the opposing sect, and a skirmish ensued.
Eshu and prapti stood firm, ready to defend me and they unleashed a fire magic towards them In the chaos, some Magic Sect members attacked, but our sect members countered, refusing to back down.
Just as the situation threatened to spiral out of control, teachers intervened, halting the brawl also stopped eshu and prapti attack I seized the opportunity to address Eshu and Arpita, tapping them hardly on the head.
"How could you attack without warning?" I asked, my tone firm but gentle with also showing anger "They're from our own sect! I told you to avoid conflict, yet you engaged. Why?"
Overcome with remorse, Eshu and prapti burst into tears, embracing me tightly. "Sorry, Dii," they chorused. "We'll never do something like that again." Their heartfelt apology stunned the onlookers, witnessing a rare display of humility and sibling love.
As the tension dissipated, faces that had been set in anger and hostility now relaxed, their expressions softening. The sudden change in Eshu and prapti demeanor left a lasting impression, reminding everyone that even the strongest warriors value compassion and family.
As the tension dissipated, my friends gathered around me, and I witnessed another unexpected moment. Raj approached Shiv and said, "Shiv, I think we're still evenly matched. Let's save our fight for another time and meet up again." To everyone's surprise, Shiv nodded in agreement, and the two former rivals shared a hearty hug.
Their sudden display of camaraderie shocked me, as I had always perceived them as sworn enemies. However, it became clear that beneath their rivalry, they possessed good hearts.
As the remaining fights concluded, our sect emerged with two wins, two losses, and one tie. The outcome left our opponents stunned, particularly those who had previously mocked me.
Now, our group consisted of Arpita, Aarav, Raj (the Spear Boy), Prapti, Eshu, Akshar, Rajshree, Pratima (Eshu's Team Elf Girl), Shiva, and others, including Eshu's and Prapti's friends. We stood together, united in our shared experiences and newfound friendships.
Eshu approached me, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Dii, I missed you! How are you?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with affection.
Prapti chimed in, "Yes, Dii, I missed you more than Eshu!" Eshu playfully countered, "No, I missed you more!"
I chuckled, "I know you both miss me. Now, shut up and don't introduce me to your friends. And Eshu, don't introduce me to your girlfriend by dragging his ear around like that." Eshu pretended to be hurt, "Sorry, I'll let you meet. It hurts."
Prapti giggled, and three girls approached us, standing beside Eshu. In unison, they greeted me, "Hello!"
The elf-like girl spoke up, "I'm Pratima, sister of your friend Rajshree." The human girl with a crimson face, still clinging to Eshu's hand, introduced herself, "I'm Prashi, the Arav sister of your friend."
The beast girl, resembling Prapti but with pure tiger features, said, "I'm Era."
I raised an eyebrow, "Just a question, how many of you are in love with and attracted to Eshu?" The girls exchanged glances, their faces revealing a mix of emotions, as they awaited Eshu's response.
As I teased Eshu, the girls' faces turned bright red, and their voices trembled. Eshu's smile grew wider, and I pinched his ear, playfully scolding him.
"Do you know what you've done to these girls, you little scamp? How could you be a heart thief?" I asked, chuckling.
Eshu protested, "No way, I'm not a robber!" I retorted, "Oh, didn't you steal their hearts?" The girls' faces flushed deeper, and Eshu's face matched theirs.
I continued, "This is just the first chance, and maybe the last, for anyone who doesn't want to join in. If either of them doesn't want to accept it, then it might be the last chance to win their love."
The human girl, Prashi, blushed and revealed her mixed emotions. "I...I love Eshu, and I want to be with him." The other two girls, Pratima and Era, screamed in unison, "I love Eshu too!"
I teased Eshu further, "See, you've actually stolen their love." To my surprise, Arpita's two male friends blushed as well, and I was shocked to see Prapti blushing too. I realized that this three others had become a love birds
I jokingly hit my head, "prapti how can you do it so quickly? You've succeeded in getting two boys to like you, and you're both just kids!" The atmosphere was filled with laughter and playful teasing,