The entire stadium was filled to the brim with spectators, their voices merging into a single wave of excitement. The energy in the air was electric as thousands of eyes focused on the grand stage at the center of the arena.
In the middle of the stadium, all the students who had participated in the tournament stood in perfect rows. At the very front stood the top twelve—warriors who had proven their strength, skill, and determination.
Seenu was positioned at the center, his expression calm yet proud. To his left stood Raj, his arms crossed with a confident smirk. On Seenu's right, Aamir stood tall, his gaze steady as he observed the massive crowd. Just beside him was Riya, her hands clasped in front of her, trying to contain her excitement.
The stadium quieted as the host stepped forward on the stage. His voice boomed across the arena, amplified by magic or technology.
"Welcome to the closing ceremony of the Battle of the Grand Selection!" the host declared, his tone filled with grandeur. "Dear citizens of Amritakshetra and students of Nalanda, today, we honor the greatest warriors of this generation. We will now award our top three students, along with the esteemed top twelve!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, their enthusiasm shaking the very ground.
"And now, let us welcome our great Guild Leaders of Nalanda with a resounding applause!" the host announced.
A wave of anticipation swept through the stadium as, one by one, the guild leaders stepped onto the stage.
Even though the students and citizens had seen these leaders many times, their presence never failed to inspire awe. There was something about them—an invisible weight, a silent authority that pressed down on everyone. Their power was overwhelming, their auras sharp like unsheathed blades.
- Kaveri Mahadevan – Leader of Prakriti Sangh (The Guild of Elements). A master of Agni, Jal, Vayu, and Prithvi, she had the power to weave natural forces into mantras of creation and destruction. In her presence, one could feel the raw essence of nature itself.
- Rudra Pratap Singh – Leader of Vidya Shastra (The Guild of Strategic Warfare). A towering figure known for his military prowess, his very presence radiated discipline and control. His mind was a weapon as sharp as any blade.
- Aryaman Joshi – Leader of Surya Vansh (The Guild of Radiance). His aura glowed like the sun, his mastery over light magic making him both a healer and a destroyer.
- Anirudh Malhotra – Leader of Chaya Marga (The Guild of Shadows and Intelligence). His presence was elusive, his movements nearly invisible. An expert in espionage and shadow manipulation, he embodied the art of subtlety.
- Haider Ali – Leader of Rath Chakra (The Guild of Combat and War). A living embodiment of raw strength, his every movement radiated power and precision. A master of martial arts, his presence alone was intimidating.
- Rishi Kaushal – Leader of Adhyatmik Vidya (The Guild of Mysticism and Ancient Wisdom). His calm presence held an air of ancient knowledge, as though he carried the weight of forgotten secrets.
- Avighna Sharma – Leader of Manas Yoddha (The Guild of Mental Fortitude). His piercing gaze seemed to see through one's very soul. He specialized in telepathy, telekinesis, and psychological warfare, wielding the mind as a weapon.
The entire stadium held its breath.
"And now!" the host continued, his voice even louder, "Welcome the Headmaster of Nalanda, Raghuveer Sahay, and our special guest, Rizwana Gouri!"
As soon as their names were spoken, a hushed reverence fell over the crowd. Then, a storm of applause and cheers erupted.
From the entrance of the stadium, two figures emerged.
First was Raghuveer Sahay, the headmaster of Nalanda. An old man with long, flowing white hair that reached his shoulders and a thick, dignified beard. His presence was commanding yet calm, like a still ocean that could turn into a raging storm in an instant. His very existence spoke of immeasurable wisdom and power.
Walking beside him was Rizwana Gouri.
She was breathtaking. Her brown hair shimmered under the sunlight, cascading gracefully down her back. But what caught everyone's attention were her golden eyes—sharp, piercing, filled with mystery and authority.
She didn't look a day over thirty, yet her aura carried the weight of a seasoned warrior. Her beauty was so mesmerizing that some students whispered among themselves.
"Man, she's absolutely stunning!" one student murmured, unable to look away.
"Careful what you say," another whispered. "You know she has a daughter almost our age. And besides…" he lowered his voice, "she's the Leader of Vasundhara!"
That single title alone was enough to make everyone tense. Rizwana Gouri wasn't just a renowned warrior—she was the head of Vasundhara, one of the most influential and powerful organizations in the world.
Aamir, Raj, and Riya all exchanged glances. The presence of such legendary figures made this ceremony feel even more monumental.
As Raghuveer Sahay and Rizwana Gouri stepped onto the stage, the cheers gradually died down, replaced by anticipation. The ceremony was about to begin.
The host took center stage once more. "Now, before we begin the award distribution, our esteemed Headmaster would like to say a few words!"
Raghuveer Sahay stepped forward. His aura, calm yet authoritative, instantly commanded silence. His voice, though not loud, carried across the stadium with perfect clarity.
"Dear students," he began, "I am honored to stand before you today. The Battle of the Grand Selection is not merely a competition—it is a test of perseverance, skill, and courage. Each of you who stepped onto the battlefield has proven something to yourself and to this academy.
To those who made it into the top twelve—congratulations. You have showcased exceptional talent. But to those who did not make it—do not be discouraged. Strength is not only measured by victory but by resilience. Keep pushing forward. Grow stronger. Serve your country with pride.
The real battles lie ahead. The World Tournament will test you in ways you have never imagined. So train well, fight with honor, and make Nalanda proud."
A wave of applause thundered across the stadium.
The host resumed his role. "And now, let the award ceremony begin!"
One by one, the students were called to the stage.
- Arjun Patel stepped forward. Raghuveer Sahay and Rizwana placed a Badge of Honor on his chest—a symbol of a lion and a sword, signifying strength and courage.
- Siddharth Joshi followed, receiving the same prestigious badge.
One after another, the nine students received their awards.
The energy in the stadium was reaching its peak. The crowd roared in excitement as the host took a deep breath and announced:
"Now, it is time to award our Top Three Strongest Students!"
"Third place—Raj Shekhawat!"
Raj walked onto the stage with steady, confident steps, his signature smirk still in place. His golden eyes gleamed under the stadium lights as he approached the headmaster and Rizwana Gouri.
Unlike the previous badges given to the other students, Raj's badge was different. A golden thunderbolt intertwined with the silhouette of a warrior, representing raw power and untapped potential. As Rizwana fastened the badge to his chest, she spoke in a low, meaningful tone.
"Power means nothing without control, Raj. Let's see how well you wield it in the days to come."
Raj's smirk widened slightly as he nodded. He understood the weight of those words.
"I'm looking forward to seeing your full potential in the World Tournament," Raghuveer Sahay added.
Raj stepped back, his fingers brushing over the badge on his chest. This was just the beginning.
"And now… the second strongest student, who lost by the slightest of margins—Aamir Singh!"
The moment Aamir's name was called, a wave of cheers erupted, loud and passionate. Aamir had won the hearts of many during the tournament with his fierce fighting style and unwavering resolve.
With a calm but focused expression, Aamir ascended the steps onto the grand stage. His footsteps were steady, but his heartbeat raced with anticipation.
Rizwana Gouri held his badge in her hand—an emblem of a soaring falcon, its wings lined with intricate silver patterns. The falcon, a symbol of precision, vision, and unmatched speed, was a fitting representation of his battle prowess.
As she pinned the badge onto his attire, she looked him in the eye. "You fought with honor, and you lost by mere inches. That alone speaks volumes about your ability, Aamir Singh."
Aamir gave a respectful nod. "Next time, I won't lose by inches."
Raghuveer Sahay chuckled softly at his determination. "Good. Keep that fire burning. The World Tournament will demand more than just strength—it will demand everything you have."
Aamir stepped back, exhaling as he felt the weight of the badge on his chest. This wasn't just an award; it was a reminder of how close he had come to victory. And how close he would get to surpassing it.
The stadium grew eerily silent for a brief moment before the host took a deep breath and raised his voice.
"And now… the moment we've all been waiting for!"
A tension-filled pause gripped the audience before the words rang out:
"The strongest student of Nalanda—Seenu Khokhar!"
The stadium erupted like a storm. Cheers, applause, and even rhythmic chants of his name filled the air. Seenu remained still for a moment, standing among his peers, his head slightly bowed.
Then, he stepped forward.
Each step he took echoed with quiet authority. He didn't walk with arrogance or unnecessary theatrics—he walked with the confidence of someone who had earned his place. As he climbed the stage, the spotlights above bathed him in a golden hue, making him look almost ethereal.
As he approached, both Raghuveer Sahay and Rizwana Gouri looked at him with a sense of quiet recognition.
"This one," Rizwana murmured, "is special."
She held out Seenu's badge—an intricate emblem of a lion's head, forged in gold, its eyes embedded with crimson gems. A symbol of absolute strength, leadership, and dominance.
As she pinned it onto his chest, she spoke softly, "Seenu Khokhar, you are now recognized as the strongest student of Nalanda. But strength alone does not make a leader. The true test begins now."
Seenu met her golden gaze with his own unwavering stare. "Then let the test begin."
Raghuveer Sahay chuckled, placing a hand on Seenu's shoulder. "The World Tournament will be unlike anything you've faced. Let's see how far your strength takes you."
Seenu simply nodded.
The applause was deafening as Seenu stepped back. The tournament was over, but a new journey had begun.
As the final words of the ceremony were spoken, the host took the stage one last time.
"And now… to mark the official conclusion of the *Battle of the Grand Selection!"
The moment he said those words, the sky above the stadium erupted in a cascade of fireworks. Brilliant colors lit up the night, illuminating the faces of every warrior who had fought, lost, won, and grown through this tournament.
The host raised his arms. "Dear students, you have fought well, but this is only the beginning. Train hard, sharpen your skills, and go forth into the World Tournament! Make Nalanda University proud!"
The cheers reached their highest point.
Seenu, Aamir, Raj, Riya, and the rest of the warriors stood side by side, their badges shining under the glow of the fireworks.
This was their moment.
This was their beginning.
The World Tournament awaited.
And they would be ready.