Chapter 4: Ambitions and Rivalries
Rudra could hardly contain his excitement as he walked into the Academy's main hall, his heart pounding with the thrill of the new adventure ahead. The massive building loomed above, its towering pillars decorated with banners that bore the insignia of the academy—a fierce, golden phoenix symbolizing rebirth and strength. Students bustled around, whispering and pointing at the newly admitted ones, sizing each other up.
"Alright, Rudra, this is it!" Nand said, slapping him on the back. "Our first day as official students of Astha Academy!"
Astha Academy, the finest in Bharasvar, their home country on the sprawling continent of Dhruvastra, was the crown jewel of the Vayuhar State. Located in Nakshatra City, it was known for training the fiercest warriors in the nation. Here, legends were made, and now Rudra and Nand had a chance to make their mark.
As they stood in awe, the hall suddenly quieted. A tall, imposing figure strode in—it was Principal Varadan. He had a steely gaze, white hair pulled back, and a presence that commanded silence. The crowd parted as he walked to the front, his eyes sweeping over the students.
"Welcome, new students," he began, his voice echoing across the hall. "You stand at the gateway to greatness. But remember, this path is not easy. In two years, you will face the National Talent Tournament, where the best academies in Bharasvar compete. Only the strongest survive, and it is my expectation that each of you does your utmost to prove your worth."
Rudra felt a thrill run through him at the mention of the tournament. Winning that would mean recognition, respect, and a place among the elite warriors.
Principal Varadan's gaze sharpened as he continued, "In these two years, your only purpose is to grow stronger, to elevate your skills and abilities. Train well, as only those who prove their strength will represent Astha Academy. Dismissed!"
The hall buzzed with excitement as the students dispersed. Rudra turned to Nand, grinning. "National tournament, huh? That sounds… challenging."
"Yeah!" Nand's eyes shone with ambition. "But imagine the fame! If we win, we'll be legends, Rudra. My family would finally stop calling me the 'chubby disappointment,' and I'll finally get to show them that I'm more than just a shield!"
Rudra chuckled. "And maybe my dad would stop comparing me to his glory days. He thinks I'm still 'unproven.' This tournament could change everything."
As they talked, a group of older students walked past, smirking as they caught sight of Rudra and Nand. One of them, a lean boy with sharp features and slicked-back hair, paused and looked them over with a sneer.
"Well, well, fresh meat," he drawled, crossing his arms. "You think you're going to be the academy's next champions?"
Rudra raised an eyebrow. "And who are you supposed to be?"
The boy smirked, flicking his hair back. "Name's Varun. Top ranker in the academy's second-year class. And let me tell you, guys like you? You don't stand a chance. Best stick to the sidelines and stay out of our way."
Nand bristled, clenching his fists. "Hey! You don't even know us. Don't underestimate us!"
Varun laughed, looking around to his friends, who chuckled along. "Trust me, I don't need to know you. I've seen plenty of wannabes like you come and go. You'll be out of here before the semester ends."
Rudra took a step forward, his eyes narrowing. "Well, Varun, we'll see who stays and who goes."
The smug grin faded from Varun's face, and for a moment, an intense glare passed between him and Rudra. "You've got guts, I'll give you that," Varun said coldly. "But that's all you'll have once we're through with you."
With that, Varun and his gang walked off, leaving Rudra and Nand standing there.
"Did you see that guy?" Nand said, fuming. "Who does he think he is?"
"Someone who doesn't know who he's dealing with," Rudra said, a smirk tugging at his lips. "We'll prove ourselves, Nand. But let's not waste energy on guys like him. We've got bigger things to focus on."
---
That night, back in his dorm room, Rudra sat down, his thoughts racing as he replayed the day's events. The system interface flashed open in front of him, catching his attention.
---
[System Notification]
New Mission Available:
National Talent Tournament Victor
Mission Details: Win the upcoming national tournament and secure the title of academy champion.
Rewards:
1. Special artifact: Thunder Emblem (Enhances lightning-based powers)
2. 5x Monster Cores for further evolution
3. Unique skill: Judgment Storm
Accept Mission? Yes/No
---
Rudra's heart raced as he read the details. The rewards were incredible, and the Thunder Emblem alone would make his Destruction Thunder powers even stronger.
Without a second thought, he hit Yes. A warmth spread through him as the mission was accepted, filling him with resolve. This tournament was his chance to prove himself, to break free of every limit.
Just then, Nand burst into the room, grinning from ear to ear. "Guess what, Rudra! My system just gave me a mission too! We're supposed to reach the top 100 in academy rankings by the end of the year."
Rudra laughed. "Looks like we've got our work cut out for us, huh?"
"Yeah, but we're not alone!" Nand clapped him on the back. "We've got each other. And who knows, maybe we'll even find some friends… or rivals… along the way."
As they laughed, a knock sounded at the door. Rudra opened it to find Rhea standing there, arms crossed, with Arjun and Kavi standing behind her.
"Heard you two had a little run-in with Varun?" she said, smirking. "That guy's always been a pain."
"Tell me about it," Arjun added, rolling his eyes. "He's got this whole 'I'm better than you' attitude. Don't let him get under your skin."
Kavi grinned. "We were actually coming by to tell you guys about a training session tomorrow. First years are allowed in the Academy's Beast Arena tomorrow morning. Wanna join?"
Rudra's eyes lit up. "The Beast Arena? That sounds amazing! Count us in."
As they stood there planning for the next day, the door swung open again, revealing Varun, his face twisted in anger. "You all think you're so special, huh? I'll show you what happens to people who think they're better than me."
Rudra raised an eyebrow. "You're welcome to try. But you might not like the results."
Varun's fists clenched, but he forced a smile. "Fine. Let's see how long you last in the Beast Arena. Tomorrow, we'll find out who the real warriors are."
With that, he stormed off, leaving them all standing there.
Rhea laughed. "Don't worry about him. He's just bitter because he lost to an actual second-year in the rankings last semester. We'll handle him together."
Arjun nodded, grinning. "Tomorrow's our chance to show the academy what we're made of. Let's give it everything we've got!"
As the group finally broke up for the night, Rudra lay back in bed, his mind filled with thoughts of the tournament, the rankings, and the challenges that lay ahead.
---
In this chapter, Rudra and his friends face off with a rival, Varun, who sets up a tense rivalry for future challenges. The mission system raises the stakes, and new friendships and alliances begin to form. The Beast Arena training session promises to be an exciting step toward their future goals.