Krish smiled gently, his deep black eyes reflecting the soft glow of the hallway lights. "Yes, Yug is right. Come on, guys, let's head back to the room. Class is over anyway."
The classroom gradually emptied as students slung their bags over their shoulders and streamed out into the corridors. Light murmurs and occasional bursts of laughter echoed off the walls, mixing with the faint hum of neural-link devices and the distant whir of floating holographic displays. Laksh and his four friends stepped out as well, joining the flowing current of freshmen.
The neon-lit hallways stretched endlessly before them, lined with sleek metallic panels that pulsed with soft blue and silver light. Above their heads, floating holographic signs drifted gracefully, displaying messages in elegant, glowing script: "Welcome Freshers – Talent Awakening Week." The air carried a subtle electric tang, the unmistakable scent of advanced technology and youthful ambition.
As they walked, Laksh's gaze drifted toward a small group of senior students gathered in a quiet corner. Three of them stood with casual confidence, laughing and talking loudly enough that their voices carried clearly through the corridor. Almost involuntarily, the five friends slowed their steps and listened.
"Hey, did you guys hear? The Inter-University Tournament is happening in four months," said a tall, well-built boy, his voice brimming with excitement.
The second senior nodded, crossing his arms. "Yeah, first there'll be internal selections here at Lightborn University. Then the top performers get to compete against the best first-years from the top-10 universities across Asia."
The third boy cut in, his tone dramatic. "Not top-5 — top-10 universities this time. And the biggest news? The entire competition is only for first-year students."
The first boy laughed, shaking his head. "First-years? Come on, man, those kids are still completely inexperienced. It would've been better if they included second, third, and fourth-years too."
The third senior lowered his voice to a mysterious whisper. "This year, a Soul Saint level expert is coming to oversee everything. And the one who wins the tournament gets an Epic Skill Stone."
"Epic Skill Stone?" The second boy's eyes widened in genuine surprise. "That's the second-highest quality stone after Legendary, right?"
"Exactly. It ranks in the top-two in terms of quality and power."
The five friends exchanged quick, meaningful glances. Their breathing had unconsciously quickened. A spark of something — ambition, nervousness, hope — passed silently between them.
Mahi spoke softly, almost to himself. "Guys, we've only been at the university for two days, but look at this place… it's so massive. We haven't even explored half the campus yet."
Yug let out a bright laugh. "Mahi, are you trying to get us killed? Lightborn University ranks in the top-two across the entire country. Exploring the whole campus could take three weeks, not three days."
Krish nodded calmly, his voice steady and thoughtful. "He's right. There are so many different streams here, countless specialized classrooms and training halls. We only got into Professor Meera's class because we're orphans and couldn't afford the high fees. The children from wealthy families go straight into the premium, high-quality classrooms with private instructors and advanced simulation pods."
Laksh shrugged, a hint of bitterness creeping into his tone. "The world still hasn't fully recovered from the crisis, yet here money and connections remain the greatest power."
Rudra clenched his fists tightly, his jaw set. "They just stuffed us into the orphan hostel like we were second-class. But one day, we'll show everyone that real talent doesn't belong only to the rich."
Mahi suddenly changed the subject, his eyes bright with curiosity. "Hey, did you all actually catch what those three seniors were saying?"
Krish nodded. "Yes. Inter-University Tournament in four months… and this time first-years are being given a real chance."
A fierce spark lit up in Rudra's eyes. "I'm already feeling excited. We'll get to see the talents of first-year students from the top-10 universities. That's going to be something."
Laksh asked, his voice carrying a trace of worry. "But the tournament is four months away. Why such a long wait?"
Krish explained patiently, his tone measured like always. "Don't you see? The first five days are only for basic knowledge and theory classes. On the fifth day comes the Talent Awakening Program. If our talents awaken successfully, we'll officially be called Evolvers. After that, monster-hunting training begins — learning skills, leveling up, gaining real combat experience. Only then will we be ready to participate in the tournament. Talent alone means nothing without proper skills and hard-earned experience."
Yug nodded in firm agreement. "Absolutely right."
Mahi smiled, though there was a thoughtful edge to it. "That's the reality, man."
Laksh started walking again. "Come on, let's head to the room."
The five friends moved forward through the bustling corridor. After walking a short distance, an incredible aroma suddenly filled their nostrils — rich, savory, and utterly mouth-watering. Ahead of them stood a vast cafeteria, its entire structure made of shimmering blue-tinted glass that reflected the campus lights like a jewel. Inside, floating holographic menus rotated slowly, displaying futuristic dishes in vivid detail. The scent of perfectly synthesized spices, grilled proteins, and exotic vegetables hung heavy in the air.
Mahi's eyes lit up instantly. "Wow, what a smell! I'm suddenly starving."
Rudra joked, grinning widely. "I don't think I've ever read about food this good even in a food encyclopedia."
Krish chuckled softly. "Since when did you start reading food encyclopedias?"
Laksh smiled despite his earlier worries. "Save the jokes for later. We haven't eaten anything since morning. Let's go inside."
The others agreed immediately and stepped into the cafeteria.
Rudra headed straight toward the counter. Suddenly, a senior boy shoved him roughly from behind and pushed forward without even glancing back. Rudra stumbled but quickly regained his balance, his eyes flashing with anger as he glared at the senior's back.
Krish moved forward instantly, not wanting Rudra's hot temper to create any unnecessary trouble. He bowed his head slightly and spoke politely. "Sorry, Senior. We didn't see you."
Mahi and Krish quickly grabbed Rudra's arms and pulled him back gently but firmly.
Rudra grumbled, clearly annoyed. "Why are you guys dragging me back like this?"
Mahi whispered urgently, "If I don't hold back someone with your short fuse, what else am I supposed to do? What if you said something rude and got us all in trouble?"
Rudra protested, "Nothing would have happened. He looked like a junior too."
Krish spoke seriously, his voice low but firm. "Do you ever look around when you walk? Did you see the batch badge on his chest pocket? It was yellow. He's a second-year student. We've only been here two days — do you really want to get beaten up already?"
Rudra made a face but finally relented. "Yeah, yeah, fine. Let's just get in line behind him."
The five of them joined the queue. Today's menu was simple and affordable — vegetable curry, rice, and some synthetic protein cubes. They took whatever they could afford with their limited allowance and found a quiet corner table with worn vinyl seats.
They had just started eating when the same senior suddenly walked over and sat down at their table without asking.
Krish and Mahi broke into a light sweat. Rudra and Laksh continued eating in tense silence.
Yug gathered his courage and asked politely, "Is there something we can help you with, Senior?"
The senior laughed loudly, waving his hand dismissively. "Don't be scared, kids! I don't bite. Honestly, I really didn't see Rudra earlier, so I accidentally bumped into him."
Krish and Mahi breathed a small sigh of relief.
Yug ventured another question. "But Senior, it's rare to see a senior being so friendly with first-years."
The senior laughed again, this time more warmly. "I'm actually a good senior, you know. And yes, I came here specifically to tell you something. This time, first-year students are being given a real opportunity in the Inter-University Tournament. I come from an orphan background myself, so I know exactly how tough poverty can be. Most students here are from rich and powerful families. Everyone assumes they'll win easily. But it doesn't always turn out that way. I keep a little hope on you orphan students."
Rudra spoke while still chewing, his tone cautious. "But Senior, our talents haven't even awakened yet."
The senior's expression turned serious. "I know. But on the fifth day, during the Talent Awakening Program, it's not just about checking talents. There's also a hidden quiz round."
Laksh looked up sharply, surprised. "Quiz? No one told us about any quiz."
The senior sighed deeply. "That's why they call it a hidden event. The rich and powerful families already know because they have connections high up. Orphan or normal-background students usually never find out in time."
Yug said quietly, "Now it makes sense."
The senior stood up, brushing crumbs from his uniform. "Start preparing from now. In the tournament, it's not only talent that matters — preparation counts just as much."
With that, he walked away.
The five friends sat in silence for a moment, looking at one another. In the soft neon glow of the cafeteria, a new light shone in their eyes — a mixture of fresh hope, rising excitement, and just a touch of nervous fear.
Laksh thought to himself, the words echoing quietly in his mind: "Four months… Talent Awakening… hidden quiz… and an Epic Skill Stone…"
He had no idea that these unheard words would quietly begin to change the entire direction of their lives.
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