So this is it, Jai Veer thought, tightening his grip on the sword. To enter Aaroha Academy, I have to defeat a peak 9-star Jagruti (Awakening) cultivator…
His jaw clenched. Alright then. I'll put everything on the line.
"Begin!" the teacher of Arena 3 shouted.
Without hesitation, Jai Veer and Anmol Ratan charged at each other. Swords met head-on as magical energy crackled violently through the air. Steel clashed. Sparks scattered. Their blades moved at terrifying speed—every strike perfectly parried, every opening instantly closed.
The crowd fell silent.
One wrong move would mean disaster.
Jai Veer's sword grazed Anmol's ribs. In response, Anmol swung back with a brutal arc, the blade narrowly missing Jai Veer's chest. Gasps rippled through the spectators as death brushed past them again and again.
What the hell…? Anmol thought, sweat beading on his temple. This kid is matching me blow for blow. He's not supposed to be on my level.
Grinding his teeth, Anmol jumped back. His sword began to glow with condensed energy.
"I've had enough of close combat," he muttered coldly. "Let's finish this from a distance."
He raised his hand.
"Fire Strike!"
A blazing beam of fire erupted from his palm, roaring forward like a miniature sun. Jai Veer raised his sword, channeling all his energy to block—but the impact was overwhelming. His arms shook violently as the force drove him backward. Flames scorched his sleeve, burning into his shoulder.
He staggered—but stayed standing.
"He's strong…" Jai Veer thought, breathing heavily. But he's not unbeatable.
Anmol's lips curled into a twisted smile. "Still standing? Then let's see how you deal with this—360 Sword Shower!"
In an instant, glowing swords materialized around Jai Veer—from all directions—each one pointed straight at him.
His eyes widened. This many… I can't block all of them.
Exhaling slowly, he lowered his stance and drove his sword into the ground.
"Sword Shield 10x!"
A radiant barrier burst outward, layered with pulsing energy. One by one, the summoned swords slammed into it—only to shatter on impact. The shield didn't even crack.
Inside the barrier, Jai Veer stretched lazily and yawned.
Anmol stared in disbelief.
"You've got to be kidding me!" he growled. "He's mocking me?!"
Rage twisted his face. "Fine," he said in a low, dangerous voice. "Then this ends now."
He raised both hands. His aura surged violently.
"Lion's Claw!"
A massive golden spectral claw formed in the air before him, its razor-sharp talons radiating killing intent. The pressure alone made Jai Veer's knees tremble.
If that hits me… I'm done.
His shield was already draining the last of his strength. He had nothing left—
Except one option.
A few hours earlier…
"Hey… can I ask you something?" Jai Veer had whispered to Anvi while watching the matches.
"Sure," she replied, eyes still on the arena.
"Is it allowed to use pills during a match?"
She blinked. "Technically, yes. But most people don't have any. The academy doesn't provide them at this level, and clans rarely give such things to young disciples."
He had nodded silently, storing the answer away.
Now—
As the Lion's Claw descended, Jai Veer pulled out a shimmering golden pill from his storage ring.
"It's time," he murmured—and swallowed it.
Light exploded around him.
Power surged through his body like a raging flood. His cultivation shot past the peak of Jagruti (Awakening), breaking through in an instant—
2-star Siddhi (Spiritual Mastery).
Gasps echoed throughout the arena.
"W-What?!" Anmol stammered, frozen in shock.
Before the claw could strike, Jai Veer poured his newfound strength into his sword and slashed upward.
The golden claw shattered into dust.
"Where did you get a pill like that?!" Anmol shouted.
Jai Veer smirked faintly. "You ask too many questions."
With a flick of his wrist, a massive wave of energy surged forward.
Anmol was sent flying, crashing hard into the ground.
"Match 17 of Arena 3—Winner: Jai Veer!" the teacher announced.
The arena erupted into cheers and stunned murmurs.
Jai Veer stepped down, his body swaying. He barely managed to walk toward Anvi before his vision darkened.
"Well… congrats," Anvi said warmly, patting his shoulder. "You're officially part of Aaroha Academy now, Veer."
"Thanks…" he whispered.
Then his strength gave out.
"Veer?!" Anvi cried, catching him as he collapsed against her.
She rushed him to the medical tent.
"Sir, please help! He passed out!" she said, her voice trembling.
The medical instructor scanned Jai Veer with a wave of magical energy. "Relax. He's fine. He overexerted himself by using power far beyond his limits. He'll wake up soon."
Anvi let out a shaky breath. "Thank you…"
—
About an hour later, Jai Veer stirred.
"Ugh… did I faint?" he muttered, blinking at the ceiling.
"You finally woke up," Anvi said, arms crossed beside him.
"How long was I out?"
"About an hour and a half. You're fine—just don't push yourself like that again."
"Thanks… for everything," he said softly.
She paused at the tent entrance. "Get some rest. The three-month forest hunting mission starts soon."
Then she left.
Jai Veer sat up slowly, a faint smile forming.
"Just like Dad said… the Tristar Pill pushes you three stars ahead—temporarily."
He checked his cultivation. "Back to 8-star Jagruti (Awakening)… but if I train hard during these three months, I'll break through again."
He closed his eyes, sitting cross-legged.
I have to reach the next stage… no matter what.
And quietly, he began to cultivate.