The bell rang in the training ground. The match began.
Kavya lunged without wasting time, her speed like Muay Thai. Her 'Z' Core (Fire-Water mix) gave her strikes explosive power and fluid flow. She unleashed a barrage of punches and kicks.
Shiv had no formal training; he was just relying on his instincts. He dodged every strike by a hair's breadth.
"I told you already! He's only here on his dad's name; he doesn't know how to fight!" Veer yelled from the sidelines, mocking him.
Spotting a gap, Shiv clenched his fist. Using his old boxing basics, he blocked a jab and countered with a strike to Kavya's stomach. The impact was solid, but Kavya didn't even flinch.
She spun immediately and landed a heavy kick to Shiv's gut. Shiv skidded far across the ring.
"The new guy's reflexes are good, but his technique is raw," Sir Dikshit said in surprise.
Shiv hit the canvas, struggling to breathe. The pain was intense.
"Match over!" Veer shouted, turning away.
But Shiv stood up. Despite the pain, there was no fear in his eyes—just a different kind of focus. He charged again.
"Still haven't figured it out?" Kavya taunted.
Kavya poured her full 'Chakra' energy into an attack to end the match. She thought Shiv's basic punch couldn't match her. But then she froze. Veer and the other students were stunned.
Shiv's stance had changed. He wasn't boxing anymore; he was perfectly copying Veer's Taekwondo style. He caught Kavya's punch right in the air.
This much power? I used my full Chakra! Kavya thought in panic.
Shiv seized the moment and switched styles, landing a powerful boxing punch straight to her jaw. Kavya tried to block with her remaining energy, but Shiv's force sent her flying.
Boom!
Kavya fell. Suddenly, a massive and chaotic Chakra energy burst from Shiv's body—completely different from everyone else's.
"This isn't a beginner's power!" Sir Dikshit said in shock.
But the energy overload was too much. Shiv lost balance and collapsed unconscious.
"Kavya wins by technicality!" Sir Dikshit announced, but his eyes stayed on Shiv.
Shiv's eyes opened in the medical room. White lights and the smell of medicines surrounded him. Just then, Veer walked in.
"How did you do that?" Veer asked in a low but serious voice.
Shiv stayed silent.
"I don't care about your 'style-switch'," Veer said firmly. "I'm just here to say... from today, you're my rival. Don't disappoint me."
Veer left. Shiv reached his dorm a little later. Aarav was there with their third roommate, who looked super excited.
"Shiv! You okay?" Aarav shouted. "This is our third roommate, Veeru Varma."
"Bro! That was awesome!" Veeru jumped off the bed. "You totally beat Kavya! You were acting, right? Played the noob first, then—bam! Your Core is 'Z' too, right?"
"No," Shiv said in a tired tone. "I just watched her moves closely and copied them. My Core isn't 'Z', it's 'T'."
"'T'?" Veeru looked confused. "Never heard of a Core like that."
"He's right, Veeru. The instructor said it's a new unique category," Aarav confirmed.
Just then, the hostel teacher knocked on the door. "Lights out! Training in the morning."
The room went dark. Lying there staring at the ceiling, Shiv wondered: What is this 'T'? How am I able to copy? He felt a strange energy inside him, just waiting to burst out.