Chapter 11: Trial of the Thunderstorm
Back at the academy, Rudra's life returned to the usual routine of intense classes, sparring sessions, and team strategy drills. However, the ancient amulet he'd picked up in Vaikunth City was never far from his thoughts. He could feel its faint energy pulsing whenever he trained, almost as if it was waiting to be used. He hadn't yet told Nand or Rhea about the amulet's power, feeling a strange urge to keep this part of his journey to himself, at least for now.
As he headed to his combat class, Rudra couldn't shake the feeling that his next step would be a defining moment.
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The Trial Challenge
In the training hall, students gathered, whispering with excitement. Their instructor, a seasoned warrior named Professor Bhaskar, stood at the front, a fierce gleam in his eyes.
"Today, we have a challenge," Bhaskar announced, his voice commanding instant attention. "In the coming months, the academy will hold a series of trials for elite students, giving them a chance to prove their strength and secure their position in the academy rankings. Today's session will prepare you for that."
The students' faces lit up. The academy's ranking trials were legendary, and the opportunity to participate in them was something all students dreamed of.
"You'll each be assigned to a special training area within the Beast Arena," Bhaskar continued. "You'll face beasts adapted to test your unique abilities. Succeed, and you'll gain valuable experience—and possibly new skills."
Rudra exchanged a glance with Nand and Rhea. Excitement sparked in their eyes.
Rhea grinned. "Sounds like our kind of challenge. Think you're ready, Rudra?"
He smiled back. "Ready as I'll ever be."
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The Beast Arena
Each student was assigned an individual training pod within the Beast Arena. These enclosed spaces were enhanced by the academy's tech to simulate various environments—mountains, forests, even barren wastelands—and generate beasts of various ranks. Rudra's pod, however, felt different. The moment he stepped in, a strange energy surrounded him, as if the arena itself was resonating with his own power.
> System Update:
New Trial Unlocked: Thunderstorm Deity's Challenge
Defeat the Thunderbeast Guardian to gain artifact resonance and unlock new abilities.
Rudra's heart pounded with excitement and fear. This was no ordinary challenge—it felt deeply connected to his evolving talent and the amulet he now wore.
The simulated environment within his pod shifted, the air growing dense and crackling with electric energy. In the distance, Rudra saw a massive creature emerge. It was a Thunderbeast, a beast known for its ferocity and lightning-based attacks, with fur that glowed faintly blue under the pulsing storm clouds above.
> Thunderbeast Guardian
Rank: High B-Tier
Abilities: Thunder Charge, Storm Swipe, Lightning Barrage
Rudra's system interface flashed as it analyzed the beast's strengths and weaknesses. He felt a surge of energy from the amulet, as if encouraging him forward.
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The Battle
The Thunderbeast roared, charging at Rudra with terrifying speed. Without hesitation, Rudra activated his Storm Aura, surrounding himself with a barrier of crackling electricity. The beast's claws collided with his aura, sending sparks flying as the barrier absorbed most of the impact.
Rudra stepped back, preparing his counter. He summoned his Heavenly Wrath ability, a high-energy bolt of lightning he had been working on in his solo training. With a swift motion, he launched the bolt at the beast, striking its chest and momentarily stunning it.
But the Thunderbeast was relentless. It quickly recovered, unleashing a Lightning Barrage of rapid, thunderous strikes that lit up the arena. Rudra was pushed back, his aura flickering as he struggled to keep his balance.
Thinking fast, he activated the amulet. Its energy surged through him, amplifying his powers. He felt his abilities reach a new level, like an untapped well of energy had opened up within him.
With newfound strength, Rudra summoned his Thunderstorm Deity Form. His aura transformed, creating a massive electrical field around him that resonated with the amulet. The Thunderbeast froze, sensing the overwhelming power.
With a final surge, Rudra raised his hand, summoning a bolt of thunder from the artificial storm clouds above. He unleashed the energy directly at the beast, which roared as the power consumed it. When the light faded, the beast had vanished, and Rudra stood victorious.
> System Update:
Trial Complete: Thunderstorm Deity's Challenge
New Ability Unlocked: Thunderstorm Surge - Enhances all thunder-based abilities temporarily.
Rudra felt a new level of strength coursing through him. His talent had reached another level.
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After the Battle
When Rudra exited the pod, Nand and Rhea were waiting outside, their faces filled with curiosity.
"How did it go?" Rhea asked, noticing his confident grin.
Rudra gave a small shrug. "Not too bad. Let's just say I've got a new trick up my sleeve."
Nand clapped him on the shoulder. "Knew you'd crush it, Rudra!"
As they chatted, another student approached—a tall, serious-looking boy named Shivam. He was known for his rivalry with Rudra, often boasting about his Shadow Serpent abilities and trying to undermine him at every chance.
Shivam sneered. "Don't get too full of yourself, Rudra. Just because you passed a trial doesn't make you special."
Rhea rolled her eyes. "Jealous much, Shivam?"
Shivam's gaze hardened. "Careful, Rhea. You wouldn't want to waste your time with someone whose talent is… underwhelming."
Rudra met Shivam's gaze, unfazed. "I guess we'll see who's 'underwhelming' when the trials come."
Shivam scoffed but walked away, muttering under his breath.
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At the Academy Canteen
Later, they gathered in the academy's canteen. The place buzzed with energy, students sharing tales of their latest battles and skills. Nand, Rudra, and Rhea grabbed a table, still chatting about the day's events.
"Did you see Shivam's face when you didn't back down?" Rhea laughed, stirring her drink. "Priceless!"
Rudra chuckled. "I'm used to it by now. But something tells me he's not done causing trouble."
Nand, ever the optimist, grinned. "He'll have to step it up if he wants to keep up with you."
The conversation turned lighter as they discussed other academy news. Nand shared funny stories about his family's plans for him to become a great defender, while Rhea joked about how her parents were convinced she'd become the next healer of legends.
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The Next Challenge Awaits
That night, Rudra lay in his dorm room, his thoughts drifting between the amulet, the Thunderbeast, and the challenges ahead. His system flashed a notification:
> New Quest Unlocked:
Prepare for the National Trials - Reach Level 25 within two months.
Reward: Enhanced Thunderstorm Skill, Recognition in the Academy Rankings.