After five minutes beneath the tree, Jai Veer straightened as he saw Anvi returning.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves above, scattering in soft golden patterns across her face. Her Jiva Shakti pulsed faintly, harmonizing with the quiet rhythm of the forest.
"Let's go, Jai," Anvi said, her voice carrying a quiet urgency as she pointed toward the misty path leading to the announcement area. She started moving without hesitation, and Jai Veer followed, his steps steady on the damp earth.
"Hey, did you bring what I asked for?" Jai Veer asked as he walked beside her, his tone laced with curiosity—and a hint of anticipation.
"Yeah, yeah. I brought it," Anvi replied, handing him a small bag. It rustled softly, and a faint, sweet aroma teased the air. She glanced at him skeptically. "But do you really want only fruits?"
"Anvi, these aren't normal fruits," Jai Veer said calmly, peering inside. He pulled out a crimson strawberry, its surface gleaming like a jewel, and took a bite.
"Oh? Really?" Anvi asked, her voice dripping with playful doubt. "What's so special about them?"
"You'll know once you taste one—" Jai Veer said, cutting himself off as he swiftly popped a strawberry into her mouth the moment she opened it to speak.
Anvi froze.
Her eyes widened as a wave of sweetness burst across her senses, rooting her in place—half in surprise, half in shock at both the taste and his sudden move.
"What—!" she blurted out. "This strawberry is unbelievably sweet!"
Jai Veer grinned. "Exactly. Now keep moving, or we'll be late for the announcement."
"Ah—right! Keep moving," Anvi said, snapping out of it as she quickened her pace to walk beside him through the thinning mist.
"By the way," she added casually, curiosity flickering in her eyes, "how did you know these strawberries were special?"
"They're fresh, deeply red," Jai Veer explained, holding one up. "And most importantly—their scent is unique."
"Hm… sounds like you're a fruit lover," Anvi teased with a smirk.
"Mostly," Jai Veer replied. His gaze briefly flicked toward the bushes as a faint rustle passed through—just the wind. Nothing more.
Within minutes, they reached the announcement area—a wide clearing buzzing with students. The air was thick with anticipation and the faint hum of Jiva Shakti.
Sixteen teachers stood present, including Vicky Rae. Soon, every student gathered, the clearing filling with a sea of cultivators.
"I hope you're all ready for the hunting journey," Vicky Rae announced, his voice booming. He gestured toward a weathered table where a notebook lay open, bands numbered 1 to 15 arranged neatly. "Before we begin, you have fifteen minutes to form teams of four and register."
"So… we're forming a group together, right?" Jai Veer asked Anvi, his voice carrying a hopeful edge.
"Of course," Anvi replied without hesitation. "You saved me in the forest, and you're strong. There's no reason not to."
"Alright," Jai Veer nodded. "But we still need two more people. You've been here longer—do you know anyone good?"
"I do," Anvi said, scanning the crowd with a slight frown. "But I've only been here a month myself…"
"Where could she be…" Anvi muttered.
"Anvi."
The voice cut sharply through the noise.
Both Jai Veer and Anvi turned at once.
"Diya!" Anvi exclaimed, relief clear in her voice.
"I was looking for you too," Diya said, gesturing to the boy beside her. "I brought my brother."
"Oh—hello, Ravi," Anvi greeted politely.
"Hello," Ravi replied calmly.
Anvi smiled and gestured toward Jai Veer. "This is Jai Veer. You might've seen him yesterday in Arena Three."
Jai Veer smiled modestly. "Nice to meet you both. Looks like we'll be teammates—please take care of me."
"I'm Diya, and this is my brother Ravi," Diya replied warmly.
"Let's register," Anvi said decisively.
"Yeah," Jai Veer and Diya said together, then shared a brief laugh.
All four moved toward the table and registered their group.
They received Group Band No. 8, tying the faintly glowing bands around their wrists.
"Now that all fifteen teams are registered," Vicky Rae announced, standing up, "move into the forest. Stay with your group. Anyone who leaves early will be disqualified."
The groups advanced into the forest, disappearing one by one as the trees closed in.
"Teachers, follow your assigned groups discreetly," Vicky Rae instructed. "I'll monitor both outside and within the forest."
All fifteen teachers vanished into the greenery like silent shadows.
Three-Month Hunting Journey — Day 1
A kilometer deep into the forest, Jai Veer and his group stopped. Mist hung thickly among towering trees that whispered with Jiva Shakti.
"Seems like we're the only group here," Jai Veer said thoughtfully, glancing at Ravi. "The others scattered, right?"
"Yes," Ravi replied calmly. "We also took several turns and left markings along the way."
"This place looks decent," Anvi said, surveying the area. "Let's settle here and explore nearby first."
"Sounds good," Diya agreed.
Anvi pulled out two tents from her Jiva Shakti storage ring. Diya and Ravi did the same, setting them up efficiently.
"Here," Anvi said, handing one to Jai Veer.
"Thanks," Jai Veer replied sincerely. "Didn't expect you to bring one for me too."
Within minutes, their campsite was ready.
"Let's explore a bit," Anvi said eagerly.
"Which way?" Diya asked. "Left, right, or straight?"
"Left first," Ravi suggested. "Then we circle right. That covers all sides."
"Agreed," Jai Veer nodded.
They moved off toward the left, leaving their tents behind.
Unnoticed—
A low, rhythmic thud echoed faintly from far to the right.
Something unseen stirred.