Aamir walked slowly through the sprawling campus of Nalanda University, his mind racing. The Grand Selection was behind him, but the World Tournament loomed ahead like an insurmountable mountain. The streets were bustling with students, some still recovering from the grueling trials, others preparing for what was yet to come. Aamir could feel the weight of the upcoming challenge pressing on his chest.
Beside him, Raj and Kunal strolled casually, their faces set in serious expressions, though the occasional smirk flashed across Raj's face.
"I can't afford to fall short again," Raj said, his tone grim. "I barely made it through the Grand Selections. Next time, I won't just scrape by."
Aamir nodded, his thoughts aligned with Raj's. "Same here. I need to push myself harder if I'm going to have a shot at the World Tournament."
Kunal, walking just behind, shrugged. "Well, I'll be here to watch the both of you. Someone's got to keep an eye on the action."
Raj snorted. "Yeah, you'll be watching from the sidelines, like always."
Kunal grinned. "I prefer to observe greatness before I step up."
Their banter was light, but Aamir could feel the determination in his friends. This wasn't just a casual conversation—it was a realization that they needed more than just talent. They needed discipline, focus, and the right guidance.
As they continued their walk, Aamir's gaze drifted toward the towering building ahead—the Cultivation Hall. It was a place where many of the most powerful warriors in the academy honed their abilities. If there was anyone who could help them prepare for the World Tournament, it would be someone from here.
"Well, let's go see if we can find Dharam," Aamir suggested, quickening his pace.
Raj raised an eyebrow. "You mean the instructor who's probably too busy with important stuff to train the likes of us?"
Aamir smiled. "If anyone can guide us, it's him. Let's just ask."
The three of them entered the hall, the air thick with the scent of incense and the hum of magic-infused energy. It wasn't long before they found themselves standing in front of the familiar door to the instructor's office. Aamir knocked, and after a brief pause, they were allowed in.
Dharam sat at his desk, his focus on a stack of documents, his eyes scanning them intently. He didn't look up as Aamir approached, but his voice came with the calm authority that always made Aamir feel at ease.
"Oh, Aamir," Dharam said, his voice smooth. "I'm good, how are you? And what brings you here?"
Aamir stepped forward, determined but respectful. "I want you to train me, and my friend, Raj, too. We need to get stronger before the World Tournament."
Dharam's eyes didn't leave the papers in front of him as he spoke, but his response was deliberate. "I'll train your friend here, Aamir. But it's not me who will teach you. You'll need to go to the private training room—Room No. 6. Your instructor will be there."
Aamir was taken aback for a moment. "But... who's going to teach us?"
Dharam finally looked up, his gaze sharp and direct. "You'll find out soon enough. Now go, don't waste time."
Aamir nodded. "Okay, sir."
Raj, who had been standing silently by, raised an eyebrow. "Room No. 6? What's in there?"
"He'll find out," Dharam said with a small, cryptic smile, standing up from his desk. "You, Raj, come with me."
Raj glanced at Aamir, a look of curiosity crossing his face. "Guess this is it then. Training's about to get serious."
Aamir grinned and watched as Raj followed Dharam down the hallway. But as Raj turned the corner, Aamir's thoughts returned to the upcoming tournament. He needed to grow stronger. To truly test his abilities and unlock his full potential.
But first... he had to find Room No. 6.
Aamir turned to head in the opposite direction, feeling a surge of anticipation. Something about this felt right. He had been waiting for the opportunity to truly push himself, and now it seemed that it had finally arrived.
With every step he took, the determination in his heart burned brighter. This was the beginning of something new. And the World Tournament? He would be ready.
As he reached the private training room No. 6, he noticed that this room was different from all the others. It was much bigger than the usual training rooms, and the atmosphere was strange. But Aamir knew that if he wanted to grow stronger, he had to step inside.
As he entered the room, the surroundings changed immediately. The walls of the room were gone, and instead, he found himself standing in the middle of a rocky plain, surrounded by towering rock mountains. The sunlight was burning brightly, like fire, but not as intense. It gave the space a surreal, almost otherworldly feeling.
Aamir's eyes quickly scanned the area, and he saw a man standing there. The figure was dressed in a blue outfit, his large and tall body resembling a mountain itself. His hair was tied in a ponytail, and he stood confidently, almost as if the land itself was his to command.
Beside him stood a boy in a white kimono—Aamir recognized him immediately. It was Seenu, the guild member. But the presence of the large man next to him sent a chill down Aamir's spine. This man wasn't just an ordinary instructor. This was Haider Ali, the Guild Leader.
Aamir stepped forward cautiously, but Haider Ali's booming voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Oh, kid. So you've come at last."
Aamir swallowed his surprise and walked toward them. Haider Ali's gaze shifted toward Seenu, who nodded in acknowledgment. The leader turned his attention back to Aamir.
"From today, I will train both of you. And I'll accompany you in this," Haider Ali declared.
Just as he finished speaking, a figure appeared from thin air beside him. A woman, dressed in flowing robes, stood there, her presence commanding and mysterious. Aafreen.
Aamir and Seenu both flinched, but they masked their shock. Haider Ali didn't seem to mind, his smile widening.
"So, you kids are ready?" he asked, looking directly at Aamir.
Aamir felt his heart race, and without hesitation, he responded, "Sir, I would love to take training from you."
Haider Ali chuckled, a deep, rumbling laugh that echoed through the rocky plains. "You are a funny kid," he said, his voice full of warmth. "Let's see how you handle the challenge ahead."
And with that, Aamir knew that his journey toward becoming stronger had truly begun.
Haider Ali crossed his arms, his smile turning more serious. "Alright, let's test your strength. You two come at me with everything you've got. Don't hold back."
Both Aamir and Seenu hesitated for a brief moment, unsure if this was a test of endurance or something else. But Haider Ali's piercing gaze made it clear he wasn't backing down.
"Are you sure about this?" Aamir asked, his voice unsure.
Haider Ali's chuckle deepened. "Do you think I'm weak? I'm your instructor. Just do what I say."
Aamir and Seenu exchanged a quick glance, then, without further hesitation, launched themselves at Haider Ali with everything they had. They moved with precision, throwing punches at him with full strength and speed.
But to their shock, Haider Ali didn't move an inch. He simply raised his hand, and with barely any effort, stopped both punches mid-air, effortlessly holding them in place.
Aamir and Seenu both froze, wide-eyed. "What... How?" Aamir stammered, taken aback by Haider Ali's strength.
"Is that it? This is your power?" Haider Ali said, his voice calm but full of authority. "Let's make this more fun now. You attack me with everything you've got, and I'll just dodge your attacks. Try to land a hit, if you can."
Both Aamir and Seenu nodded, their resolve hardening. This wasn't just a test of their strength—it was a challenge to their very limits. And they were going to give it everything they had.