The Airship Luxor hummed softly as it docked into the Uri City Mega Air Terminal, a marvel of futuristic design and cutting-edge technology. The terminal itself was an architectural masterpiece, suspended mid-air by anti-matter stabilizers, glowing like a celestial beacon in the endless sky.

  As the airship locked into place, a mechanical hiss echoed through the vast docking space, followed by a crisp, automated announcement:

  > "Welcome to Uri City. Please proceed through the designated exits. Security clearance is mandatory for all incoming passengers."

  Inside the luxurious Royal Class quarters, Pawan, Vikram, and Krishna geared up for the next phase of their journey.

  Of course, Krishna had his own priorities.

  Before stepping out, he discreetly stuffed a few exotic fruits from the dining table into his bag.

  "Better safe than sorry," he muttered to himself.

  Pawan, who had caught him in the act, smirked. "Bhai, are you seriously worried about running out of food at the Gurukul?"

  Krishna grinned unapologetically. "Survival instincts, brother. You never know when they might come in handy."

  Vikram sighed, already accustomed to their antics. "Save your foolishness for later. First, let's figure out where we're supposed to go."

  As the trio stepped onto the floating bridge leading to the main terminal, their breath caught in their throats.

  For the first time, they saw the true scale of Uri City's Mega Terminal.

  The Uri City Mega Terminal wasn't just massive-it was the pinnacle of human and AI collaboration, a vision of the future brought to life.

  Towering crystal-glass structures floated mid-air, held aloft by advanced anti-matter stabilizers, reflecting the golden glow of the rising sun.

  Holographic pathways shifted beneath their feet, dynamically adjusting based on their movements.

  AI security drones hovered above, their lenses scanning and analyzing every passenger with an unerring, silent precision.

  Digital neon-lit signs and high-tech kiosks provided real-time navigation, translating languages on demand, ensuring smooth travel for people from across the world.

  Everywhere they looked, technology and efficiency blended seamlessly, turning what should have been just another transport hub into a spectacle of human ingenuity.

  Even Pawan, who was rarely impressed by extravagant tech, found himself pausing, taking it all in.

  Krishna, on the other hand, had no such restraint. His eyes darted from one marvel to another, pure excitement lighting up his face.

  "Bhai... is this a terminal or the set of a sci-fi movie?"

  Pawan smirked, adjusting the strap of his bag. "Bro, this is the most advanced city in the world. You can't even begin to imagine what else it has."

  Vikram, ever the practical one, remained focused. His sharp gaze scanned the sprawling terminal, committing every detail to memory.

  "You can stare in awe later. Right now, we need to figure out where we're supposed to go."

  The trio stood at the threshold of the most powerful city on the continent-one that pulsed with the energy of technology, ambition, and secrets yet to be unraveled.

  And somewhere in this futuristic maze, their next step awaited.

  As they navigated through the vast labyrinth of the Uri City Mega Terminal, Krishna's sharp eyes caught a familiar figure moving through the crowd.

  Vyra.

  She walked with her usual grace, her presence commanding without effort. Her long, raven-black hair flowed behind her like a silken veil, and the way she carried herself-confident, unwavering-made it seem as if the entire terminal existed only to accommodate her.

  A grin stretched across Krishna's face as he jogged up to her.

  "Di, can we come with you?"

  Vyra paused mid-step, her golden crimson eyes flickering toward him. Her expression remained unreadable, as always-calm, distant, and composed.

  She didn't say a word.

  But she didn't refuse them either.

  Krishna, taking her silence as an unspoken 'yes,' cheerfully fell into step behind her.

  Pawan and Vikram exchanged glances before following suit.

  Without a word, Vyra led them through the terminal with quiet precision, effortlessly maneuvering through holographic checkpoints and security barriers like someone who had done this a thousand times before. She didn't hesitate, didn't falter-it was as if she had memorized every pathway, every clearance protocol, every hidden shortcut.

  In mere minutes, they arrived at the Immigration & Security Clearance Section.

  And there, their first real challenge awaited them.

  The immigration gates of Uri City were unlike anything they had ever seen.

  An army of fully-automated security counters processed travelers with flawless synchronization.

  Holographic AI officers verified identities and travel documents with pinpoint accuracy.

  Robotic sentries scanned passengers for unauthorized tech, weapons, or concealed items.

  Bio-scanners analyzed life signatures, ensuring that only authorized beings could enter the city.

  Vyra, already familiar with the system, didn't break her stride. She simply raised her Triveni Gurukul Student ID to the scanner.

  > "Triveni Gurukul Elite Rank - Student Identification Confirmed. Access Granted."

  A soft beep signaled her approval, and she walked through effortlessly.

  The trio, however, was not as lucky.

  "Sir, We Need to See Your Identification."

  As soon as Pawan, Vikram, and Krishna approached the counter, an AI security officer stopped them.

  > "Attention. First-time arrivals detected. Please present valid identification for clearance."

  The three froze.

  Krishna blinked. "Bhai... we needed ID?"

  Pawan sighed. "Would've been nice if someone had mentioned that."

  Vikram, already rubbing his temples, muttered, "You two should really start paying attention to important details."

  Standing just beyond the security checkpoint, Vyra crossed her arms, watching with mild exasperation. She had expected this.

  The security AI scanned them again, its voice monotone but precise.

  > "You are not listed in standard citizen databases. Please provide travel authorization or student credentials."

  Krishna leaned toward Pawan, whispering, "Bhai, does this mean we're illegal immigrants now?"

  Pawan groaned. "Bhai, we haven't even entered the city yet, and you're already worried about getting deported?"

  Vikram, keeping his composure, quickly pulled out his Triveni Gurukul Admission Letter and placed it on the scanner.

  The AI examined the document before responding.

  > "Triveni Gurukul Admission Confirmed. Identity Registration Pending. Additional Verification Required."

  The terminal flashed red, signaling a secondary manual check.

  Just as things were about to get complicated, Vyra sighed and stepped forward.

  She placed her hand on the scanner, activating an override request.

  > "Override Access: Confirming New Student Registry. Authorization: Vyra Varma, Elite Rank - Top 74 Student, Triveni Gurukul."

  A soft chime followed.

  The red lights turned green.

  > "Override Accepted. New Student Entry Approved. Proceed to the designated transport area."

  Vyra turned to them, her golden eyes cool and unimpressed.

  "Try to be prepared next time."

  Pawan smirked, nudging Krishna. "Bhai, your sister is kind of amazing."

  Krishna beamed with pride. "Of course! She's the best!"

  Vikram, ever composed, simply nodded. "Come on, let's move before we hold up the line any longer."

  As they followed Vyra past the checkpoint, it became clear that this was just the beginning.

  As the security barriers lifted, the group finally stepped beyond the checkpoint and into Uri City.

  For Pawan, Vikram, and Krishna, it felt like stepping into an entirely different world.

  Above them, floating roads, powered by anti-gravity panels, adjusted dynamically to the traffic flow, shifting lanes in real time.

  AI-driven transport pods zipped through the air, navigating through skybridges and levitating districts, their movements seamless and precise.

  Towering holographic billboards displayed real-time news, stock updates, and public announcements, perfectly synchronized with the city's ever-changing rhythm.

  Even the air felt different-crisp, charged with the faint hum of wireless energy grids, as if the very atmosphere pulsed with life.

  For the first time since their journey began, Pawan felt small.

  Vikram remained sharp, analyzing every detail. "Now we need to find our guide. He's the one who'll take us to Triveni Gurukul."

  Krishna, still in complete awe, whispered, "Bhai... this place... it really feels like a whole different world."

  Pawan took a deep breath, his gaze locked onto the futuristic skyline that stretched beyond the horizon.

  "A new journey begins."

  And with that, they took their first step into Uri City...

  The transport terminal at Uri City's Mega Air Terminal was alive with movement-throngs of freshers and seniors, all making their way toward Triveni Gurukul, the greatest academy of the Four Great Cities.

  The energy in the air was electric-an unspoken tension that came from the mix of nervous anticipation and unshakable confidence.

  Senior students, like Vyra, took the lead, guiding new arrivals through the overwhelming complexity of the most technologically advanced city in the world.

  Some seniors were patient, explaining the intricate systems of Uri City to the clueless freshers...

  Others? Arrogant. Treating juniors like insignificant nobodies.

  And a few? They simply ignored them altogether, as if they didn't even exist.

  Yet, no matter their rank, arrogance, or authority, every single student had one destination-Triveni Gurukul.

  But as Pawan, Krishna, and Vikram were about to learn...

  A shared destination did not mean a shared journey.

  Following Vyra's lead, the trio confidently approached one of the sleek, futuristic hover-buses, suspended just inches above the ground.

  Its metallic frame shimmered with pulsing blue energy circuits, a clear sign that this was no ordinary vehicle-this was an elite-class transport, reserved for the top-ranking students.

  Vyra stepped forward without hesitation, scanning her ID against the access panel.

  A soft beep confirmed her clearance, and the holographic doors slid open soundlessly.

  The trio moved to follow her-

  Only to be stopped mid-step.

  An AI security assistant materialized before them, its digital form flickering with an authoritative glow.

  > "Access restricted. This vehicle is reserved for senior students only. New students must board the designated junior transport."

  Krishna's jaw dropped. "What?! Di, how can this be? We came with you!"

  Vyra paused just slightly, her golden eyes flickering toward Krishna.

  For the briefest of moments, it seemed like she might say something.

  But she didn't.

  Without a word, she turned back toward the bus and stepped inside.

  The holographic doors sealed shut behind her.

  A Harsh Reality Check

  Pawan crossed his arms, unimpressed. "Wow. Some welcome we're getting at Triveni Gurukul. The discrimination starts already?"

  This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  Vikram, ever the logical one, sighed. "It's just the system. Seniors and juniors travel separately. Nothing we can do about it."

  Krishna, still pouting, muttered, "Fine. But someone at least tell me-where the hell is the junior bus?"

  As if answering his question, a fleet of sleek, black hover-buses lined up just behind them, their engines humming softly.

  These weren't ordinary vehicles-they were hyper-speed hovercraft transports, designed to glide through Uri City's hyper-loop highways at blinding speeds.

  A holographic voice echoed across the terminal:

  > "All new students, please proceed to your designated transports. Departures commence in five minutes."

  The trio exchanged glances.

  With no other choice, they turned toward the junior transport area.

  A City Unlike Any Other.

  As the last of the freshers boarded, the hover-buses lifted effortlessly off the ground, their engines humming with controlled energy. Within seconds, they accelerated into the heart of Uri City, seamlessly merging with the vast network of floating highways.

  And then... an entire world unfolded before them.

  Towering skyscrapers stretched endlessly into the sky, their glass exteriors shimmering with energy fields and digital projections.

  Neon-lit aerial highways floated mid-air, guiding autonomous vehicles that weaved between the colossal structures with unmatched precision.

  Holographic billboards flickered to life, adapting in real-time-scanning individuals and shifting advertisements based on their interests, needs, and status.

  High above, AI-controlled drones zipped through the skies, monitoring traffic, assisting pedestrians, and even delivering goods within seconds.

  But the sight that truly stole their breath was at the city's edge-

  A colossal spaceport, where massive interstellar vessels docked and launched, piercing through the atmosphere as they ventured into the vast unknown.

  Krishna, completely awestruck, pressed his face against the window. "Bhai... this is a real-life Sci-Fi city!"

  Pawan nodded slowly, for once speechless. "Now I get why Uri City stands above the other three great cities..."

  Unlike Alok City, which maintained a harmonious balance between nature and technology, Uri City was something else entirely-

  An unstoppable force of advancement, innovation, and evolution.

  Here, machines weren't just tools. AI wasn't just an assistant.

  In Uri City, technology wasn't separate from life-it was life.

  But it wasn't just the futuristic marvels of the city that left them stunned.

  It was the people.

  This was the only city in Aarthlok where humans and androids weren't the only dominant race.

  There was a third.

  The Cyborgs.

  These weren't just humans using technology.

  They had become one with it.

  Some had fully mechanical limbs, their arms and legs forged from indestructible alloys, enhancing their strength, speed, and endurance beyond normal human limits.

  Others had enhanced optics, their glowing cybernetic eyes capable of seeing across miles with absolute clarity.

  A select few bore built-in weapons, their bodies housing concealed blades, plasma cannons, and AI-linked combat systems, making them living, breathing war machines.

  Some looked completely human, their cybernetic nature only betrayed by the faint neon circuits embedded in their skin, pulsing softly with every movement.

  Krishna whispered, his voice barely above a breath. "Bhai... are these even people anymore? Or something beyond that?"

  Vikram, his eyes scanning the city streets with sharp precision, spoke calmly but firmly. "The people of Uri City don't just use technology... they live with it. They evolve with it."

  Pawan's gaze locked onto a towering cyborg enforcer, standing beside an AI-powered police unit-its armor seamlessly fused with human muscle, its presence commanding absolute authority.

  A quiet reverence filled Pawan's tone. "This is why the other cities can't compete with Uri City... These people aren't just human anymore."

  "They've become something greater."

  As the hover-buses continued their journey, the landscape began to shift.

  The futuristic skyline of Uri City slowly faded behind them, replaced by vast open landscapes, untouched by the relentless march of civilization.

  And then-

  In the distance, rising between the clouds and the mountains, they saw it.

  A colossal floating fortress, suspended mid-air.

  Surrounded by glowing energy fields and towering ancient stone pillars, it defied all logic, all physics-standing as a relic of the past and a marvel of the future, all at once.

  "Welcome to Triveni Gurukul."

  The crown jewel of Uri City.

  The greatest academy in all of Aarthlok.

  A place where only the strongest warriors, scholars, and leaders survived.

  Krishna leaned forward, gripping the edge of his seat. "Bhai... this isn't a school."

  Pawan's lips curled into a grin, his green eyes flashing with undeniable excitement.

  "Our real test begins now."

  Vikram, always composed, simply whispered-

  "Triveni Gurukul... the path to legends."

  As the hover-bus ascended, carrying them toward the floating academy, their hearts pounded with anticipation.

  They thought they had been preparing for this.

  They thought they were ready.

  But the truth?

  They had no idea what was truly waiting for them.

  And as they crossed the final barrier into Triveni Gurukul's domain, one thing became painfully clear-

  This wasn't just an academy.

  This was a battlefield.

  A place where history would be written in blood, sweat, and ambition.

  The Gates of the Greatest Academy

  The colossal gates of Triveni Gurukul loomed before them, their pristine white surface gleaming under the golden rays of the morning sun. They stretched endlessly into the sky, their sheer size radiating an overwhelming sense of power and authority.

  Beyond these gates lay the most prestigious academy of the Four Great Cities-a place where legends were not just born but forged in the fires of battle, intellect, and destiny.

  Triveni Gurukul was not merely an institution.

  It was a world in itself-a seamless fusion of the might and brilliance of the civilizations it governed:

  Uri City's unparalleled technology, with energy fields and cybernetic enhancements woven into its infrastructure.

  Rice and Sain's regal elegance, their grand palaces standing as monuments of a bygone golden age.

  Alok's harmony with nature, where ancient wisdom and modern knowledge coexisted as one.

  The Spirit of the Divine, where Vardaan (divine gifts), magic, and combat techniques thrived, shaping warriors and scholars alike.

  To earn a place here, talent alone wasn't enough.

  Worth had to be tested. Strength had to be earned. Respect had to be commanded.

  As the fleet of hover-buses carrying freshers and seniors neared the gates, a hush fell over the students.

  Some gazed in awed silence.

  Some clenched their fists, determination burning in their eyes.

  And some-like Krishna-simply couldn't contain their excitement.

  "Bhai! What is this place?! Is this really a Gurukul or some divine city that fell from the heavens?!" Krishna exclaimed, his face practically glued to the bus window.

  Pawan leaned back against his seat, arms crossed, smirking. "This is why they call it the greatest academy in the world."

  But just as their bus was about to cross through the gates-

  Reality itself shattered.

  The moment the buses crossed the entrance, an explosion of blinding white light erupted around them.

  For a fleeting second, weightlessness consumed everyone, as though they were being dragged into another dimension.

  Then-darkness.

  An unnatural silence pressed against their ears, swallowing every sound.

  And as the light slowly faded...

  They were no longer in Triveni Gurukul.

  The Forest of the Unknown

  Instead of stepping onto the legendary academy's sacred grounds, the students found themselves in the heart of a dark, ancient forest.

  Towering twisted trees, their bark black as charcoal, loomed over them, their tangled branches reaching toward the sky like skeletal fingers.

  A thick, gray mist choked the air, hiding the sun, leaving only a dim, eerie glow in the sky.

  The wind did not blow.

  The air was too still-as if the entire world was holding its breath.

  Pawan, Krishna, and Vikram stumbled out of their bus, their eyes darting around in confusion.

  "Where... are we?" Vikram muttered, his sharp gaze scanning the unfamiliar surroundings.

  "The Gurukul was right in front of us! Then where the hell did this forest come from?!" Krishna's voice carried a mix of curiosity and dread.

  Around them, students-both freshers and seniors-stepped out of their own buses, their reactions ranging from shock to sheer panic.

  Some murmured in disbelief.

  Some stood frozen in fear.

  And some-the experienced seniors-simply smirked.

  "What the hell is going on?!"

  "Were we teleported?! Is this an illusion?!"

  "This... this isn't right..."

  The whispers quickly escalated into shouts, confusion turning into fear.

  While a few seniors attempted to calm the panicking freshers, others did the opposite.

  "Why are you all so scared?" one senior sneered, crossing his arms, an amused smirk playing on his lips.

  "Welcome to Triveni Gurukul, kids. Not everyone survives here."

  Another senior chuckled, his eyes glinting with mockery.

  "If you're already terrified, maybe you should pack your bags and leave now."

  Pawan glanced at Krishna, who had gone from excited to annoyed in a matter of seconds.

  "Bhai, are they here to help or just to mess with us?" he muttered under his breath.

  Vikram sighed, his voice calm but firm. "Triveni Gurukul tests more than just strength. It tests the mind. If you can't survive this... you won't last long here."

  But before anyone could say another word-

  A deep, rumbling growl shattered the fragile moment of uncertainty.

  The trees trembled.

  The ground quaked beneath their feet.

  And then-

  Something moved in the mist.

  A monstrous silhouette loomed in the distance, its form obscured by the swirling fog.

  The sound of low, guttural breathing filled the air, sending chills down the spines of everyone present.

  Then-

  A pair of glowing crimson eyes pierced through the darkness.

  "What... the hell... is that?!" a student gasped, taking an instinctive step back.

  Another growl, louder this time. The creature was getting closer.

  Krishna's fingers twitched toward his weapon. "Bhai, I think our entrance exam just started."

  Pawan took a deep breath, his grip tightening. "Then let's make sure we pass."

  Vikram, already analyzing the situation, nodded sharply. "Stay alert. If this is a test, failing isn't an option."

  The mist thickened.

  The growls grew louder.

  And then-

  The beast charged.

  The First Trial: Survive or Die

  The entire forest stood still, but only for a fleeting moment.

  Then-the creatures attacked.

  The moment the mysterious voice faded, the shadow beasts lunged, their movements unnatural, as if woven from the darkness itself.

  The first wave of freshers scattered, panic gripping their hearts as their screams pierced the air.

  A hulking, clawed creature pounced toward a terrified student-

  Only for a senior to intercept it with a single, precise slash.

  A glowing energy blade tore through the monster's flesh, sending black ichor splattering across the ground.

  "Don't just stand there, idiots!" the senior barked, his blade humming with raw power.

  "This isn't a game. If you die here, you don't come back. Fight-or run. Those are your only choices!"

  The Chaos Unfolds

  "Your first lesson begins now-Survival."

  And with that, the creatures attacked.

  The once eerily silent forest erupted into chaos.

  Screams of terror filled the air as freshers scattered-some ran for their lives, pure panic driving their every move, while others-braver, or perhaps just more reckless-stood their ground, gripping whatever weapons they could summon.

  The senior students, seasoned by past experiences, reacted instantly. Their weapons flashed to life, their battle stances shifting into flawless precision. With years of training behind them, they moved like warriors, tearing through the monstrous figures with deadly efficiency.

  The battlefield quickly divided into three types of students:

  1. The Fighters - Those who took up their weapons and stood against the creatures.

  2. The Runners - Those who fled in terror, desperate to escape.

  3. The Thinkers - Those who didn't fight or flee, but observed, questioning the very nature of this battle.

  And then, there was Vyra.

  Still. Unmoved. Untouched.

  The beasts lunged at her, their monstrous jaws snapping-

  But she barely lifted a hand.

  With a mere flick of her wrist, the creatures disintegrated into nothingness.

  No clash. No resistance.

  Just pure annihilation.

  For a brief moment, the battlefield froze.

  Even amidst the chaos, a few students-including Pawan, Krishna, and Vikram-paused to witness the sheer dominance before them.

  "What the hell...?" Pawan muttered, his eyes widening at the effortless destruction before him.

  "Bhai, this girl is on a whole different level..." Krishna whispered, a single bead of sweat rolling down his forehead.

  Vikram's grip tightened around his sword, his instincts flaring.

  "It's not the time to admire her power. We need to fight too."

  Pawan summoned his Desert Eagles, the sleek, futuristic pistols materializing in his hands, their metallic sheen reflecting the eerie glow of the battlefield.

  Vikram's blade shimmered into existence, its energy-charged edge humming with power.

  But just as they were about to charge forward-

  Krishna grabbed both their arms.

  "Wait."

  "Why?" Pawan frowned, yanking his arm free.

  "Something isn't right." Krishna's eyes scanned the battlefield, like a tactician unraveling a puzzle.

  Pawan and Vikram exchanged glances. What was he talking about?

  And then-Krishna saw it.

  "These creatures... they're not actually hurting anyone."

  Pawan blinked.

  "What?"

  Krishna pointed at the scattered freshers.

  Despite the fear and the chaos, not a single student had been seriously injured.

  They were knocked down, shoved back, pinned-but never truly harmed.

  His Kaal Chakra, his Vardaan, should have warned him of danger-should have shown him visions of pain, injury, death.

  But it hadn't.

  And that could only mean one thing.

  "It's a test."

  "Triveni Gurukul is testing us. This isn't just a battle; it's a psychological evaluation."

  Pawan and Vikram's expressions shifted as understanding dawned on them.

  "So... they're watching us?" Vikram asked.

  "Yeah." Krishna smirked. "And they're watching how we react."

  Pawan's lips curled into a mischievous grin.

  "So basically... we can just sit this one out?"

  Krishna grinned back.

  "Exactly, bhai."

  Without a second thought, Krishna pulled them under one of the large transport buses, effectively hiding them from plain sight.

  While the other students continued to struggle against the creatures, fighting desperately for survival,

  The three of them?

  They sat in the shade.

  Completely relaxed.

  Pawan let out a long, satisfied sigh, stretching his arms behind his head.

  "Now this is more like it."

  Deep within Triveni Gurukul, an expansive projection screen displayed the entire trial in real-time.

  Several instructors and faculty members stood watching, arms crossed, their expressions a mix of intrigue and analysis.

  Some examined the combat performances of the freshers, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses.

  Others took notes, carefully documenting reactions-fear, confidence, hesitation.

  Then, one of the instructors zoomed in on a particular group-

  Pawan, Krishna, and Vikram.

  "What... the hell are they doing?" an instructor muttered in disbelief.

  "They're... sitting under a bus... and EATING?!"

  The screen displayed the trio lounging comfortably beneath a transport bus, casually munching on fruits from Krishna's bag-the very ones he had taken from the Airship.

  Not only that, but they had even started placing bets on which fresher would last the longest.

  "Bhai, that guy in the blue jacket is definitely going to run first."

  "Nah, I bet the red-haired girl makes it to the top three."

  The instructors stared.

  Some looked impressed.

  Some looked confused.

  And a few just looked plain annoyed.

  "Are they... cowards?" one instructor muttered.

  "No," another corrected, eyes narrowing. "They figured out the test before anyone else did."

  A seasoned professor chuckled. "Smart brats. But let's see if they can keep that confidence."

  With a flick of his wrist-he changed the scenario.

  Back in the virtual battlefield, the creatures suddenly... stopped.

  The eerie silence that followed sent shivers down every student's spine.

  And then-

  A single monstrous roar shattered the moment of stillness.

  The ground cracked beneath their feet.

  From the shadows, something far, far worse emerged.

  A colossal beast, armored in obsidian, its four molten eyes glowing like lava, pulsed with pure unfiltered rage.

  The air itself trembled beneath its presence.

  Even the senior students, who had fought confidently before, instinctively took a step back.

  Meanwhile, beneath the bus-

  Pawan, Krishna, and Vikram-who had been merrily munching on fruit-stopped.

  A single bead of sweat rolled down Krishna's forehead.

  "Bhai..." Pawan muttered, his voice tight with tension.

  "I think... we had a little too much fun."

  Krishna gulped.

  "...Maybe."

  Vikram cracked his knuckles.

  "So what's the plan? Fight or run?"

  A mischievous smirk appeared on Pawan's face.

  "First we watch... then we run!"

  As the monstrous creature let out a deafening roar,

  The test was over.

  Now-true survival had begun.

  While the previous creatures were merely illusions-shadows meant to test instincts-this one was different.

  This... was real.

  Summoned by one of Triveni Gurukul's instructors, this was no fabricated opponent.

  This was a living nightmare.

  A towering monstrosity of obsidian and molten fire, built for destruction.

  Unlike the holographic constructs that merely knocked students aside,

  This thing could kill.

  The instructor overseeing the trial smirked, watching the trio sitting lazily under the bus, eating snacks.

  "Let's see what these three do when they face an actual challenge."

  The moment the beast locked onto its targets,

  Its molten gaze zeroed in on three specific individuals-

  Pawan. Krishna. Vikram.

  It roared, the sheer force cracking the earth beneath it, and lunged straight at them.

  "Bhai, this thing looks a little too real!" Pawan yelled, his relaxed posture vanishing instantly.

  He turned to Krishna for confirmation-

  But-

  "Where's Krishna?!"

  Before Pawan could process his missing comrade, Krishna's voice echoed from the distance-

  "RUN, IDIOTS! Unless you wanna be its breakfast!"

  "Bhag-WHAT?!"

  Pawan barely had time to react before Vikram grabbed his collar and bolted.

  Krishna was already running for his life.

  Vikram was right behind him, his warrior instincts screaming that this was not the time to fight.

  And behind both of them...

  Pawan-who usually picked fights for fun-was now deeply regretting every single life choice he had ever made.

  "Bhai, I can't run anymore! We need a plan!" Pawan panted between ragged breaths.

  "I told you not to show off your strength too early!" Krishna shot back, barely dodging a boulder the beast had sent flying toward them.

  "Fine, but how long is this 'run away' plan supposed to last?! I'm gonna collapse!"

  The monstrous beast roared again, its obsidian claws tearing through the earth, gaining on them with terrifying speed.

  Krishna's sharp eyes scanned the battlefield for anything-anything that could help them survive this absolute disaster.

  And then, he saw her.

  The Ultimate Escape Plan

  "Follow me!" Krishna yelled, suddenly veering off-course.

  "Wait, what?! Where the hell are you taking us?!" Pawan panicked, but followed anyway.

  "Just shut up and RUN!"

  In seconds, the three of them reached Vyra.

  She was standing calmly, completely unbothered by the chaos unfolding around her.

  Not a single strand of her hair was out of place.

  Not a single enemy dared approach her.

  She was completely untouched.

  Krishna, being the absolute survivor that he was, dove behind her.

  Sliding perfectly into position, he hid behind Vyra's back, using her like a human shield.

  "Didi, HELP!" he called out, his voice exaggeratedly desperate.

  Pawan and Vikram were right behind him-but-

  "Bhai, this is not a good idea!"

  Before Pawan could stop himself, his foot caught on a loose rock-

  And he tripped.

  Directly into Vyra.

  For a fleeting moment, time itself seemed to slow.

  One second, Vyra stood tall-composed, unwavering, untouchable.

  The next-

  Pawan crashed into her.

  The impact sent them both tumbling to the ground, the world tilting as they fell.

  Vyra landed on her back.

  And Pawan landed on top of her.

  Everything stopped.

  The battlefield, the monstrous growls in the distance, the murmurs of stunned onlookers-nothing else existed in that moment.

  His face hovered mere inches from hers, their breaths intertwining, their bodies impossibly close.

  Pawan's heart slammed against his ribs. Too fast. Too loud.

  His gaze locked onto hers.

  Molten gold.

  That's what her eyes reminded him of. Burning, alive, untamed.

  There was something wild about her, something that set fire to the very air between them.

  He could feel the heat radiating off her skin, could catch the faint, smoky scent of embers lingering in the space between them.

  It was intoxicating.

  Vyra didn't move.

  She simply stared at him-unreadable, impassive, yet... undeniably aware.

  Pawan swallowed hard.

  "Holy crap."

  "I am so dead."

  The world held its breath.

  And then-

  Her eyes gleamed.

  In a single heartbeat-

  > BOOM!

  A scorching beam of fire erupted from her hand, slicing through the monstrous beast that had been advancing toward them.

  The creature didn't even have time to react.

  It was gone-reduced to nothing but ash.

  The battlefield roared back to life around them.

  And yet, Vyra's gaze never wavered from him.

  Still pressed against her, Pawan gulped audibly.

  "Move," her voice was quiet-dangerous.

  And Pawan, being Pawan, did not.

  So Vyra did what Vyra does best.

  She punched him.

  > THUD!

  Pawan rolled off her instantly, groaning as he clutched his face.

  Vyra stood, dusting herself off like nothing had happened, her expression still unreadable-except for the faintest crackle of energy in her fingers.

  Her knuckles flexed.

  A warning.

  Nearby, Krishna, who had been watching from a very safe distance, grinned.

  "Bro, what kind of lady luck do you have? Can you share some with me?"

  Pawan groaned, still dazed.

  "Shut up, Krishna!"

  Vyra turned away without another glance.

  Her steps were calm, deliberate. As if the entire incident had never occurred.

  But-

  For the first time since they met...

  There was the faintest hint of red dusting her ears.

  Maybe... just maybe...

  She wasn't completely unaffected either.

  Pawan lay flat on his back, staring up at the sky, his mind still struggling to process the absolute catastrophe that had just taken place.

  His entire body ached, but that wasn't what had him frozen in place.

  It was her.

  The heat of her skin still lingered on his, the way her golden eyes had locked onto his, the way she had felt beneath him-

  His throat went dry.

  "If she had aimed even slightly differently..."

  He gulped. He would be nothing but a pile of ashes.

  Vikram, ever the practical one, extended a hand to help him up.

  "You good?" His voice was neutral, but his sharp eyes missed nothing.

  Pawan winced, brushing the dust off his clothes.

  "Yeah, yeah... but do me a favor-

  Remind me every few minutes to stay far, far away from Vyra."

  **Krishna-who had been holding back laughter this entire time-**finally lost control.

  "Bhai... what just happened?"

  Pawan shot him a murderous glare.

  "You saw what happened! Did you see how she used her power? Not a single hesitation! If her aim was even an inch off, I-"

  But Krishna's smirk only widened.

  "But bro... she was saving you. And anyway..."

  He leaned in, voice dropping to a teasing whisper.

  "Tell me the truth, didn't it feel good?"

  Pawan froze.

  His traitorous mind flashed back to that moment-

  The fall.

  The closeness.

  The heat of her against him.

  The way her heartbeat had pounded beneath his palm.

  For one stupid second, a grin twitched at the corner of his lips.

  "Shit-"

  > BOOM!

  A fireball exploded just inches away from them, scorching the ground where they stood.

  The air crackled with pure, unfiltered heat.

  Vyra didn't even turn around.

  She just kept walking-composed, graceful, but undeniably lethal.

  Yet that fireball?

  It wasn't random.

  It was a warning.

  Her voice, smooth and merciless, rang through the battlefield-

  "Stop talking nonsense... or the next one won't miss."

  Pawan and Krishna froze.

  Then, in perfect synchronization, they snapped their backs straight.

  "Understood, Didi!"

  Their voices echoed together, loud, obedient.

  Vyra didn't respond.

  But for a brief second, the corner of her lips twitched.

  Vikram sighed, shaking his head.

  "You two are going to dig your own graves one day."

  The Photo That Shattered Triveni Gurukul's Forum.

  What the trio didn't know-while they were busy recovering from Vyra's fiery wrath-was that a few senior students had captured the entire incident on camera.

  And before they could even process what had happened-

  > BOOM!

  Triveni Gurukul's Student Forum exploded.

  A perfectly timed snapshot of Pawan falling on top of Vyra was now circulating across the academy's internal social network.

  And the comments section?

  Absolute chaos.

  ---

  The Student Forum - Live Reactions

  > "WAIT. Isn't that Vyra Varma?!"

  "Who is that guy?"

  "Looks like a new fresher?"

  "Bro... they look like they're about to kiss."

  "WHAT???"

  "NO WAY."

  "Are they... dating?!"

  "Impossible. Vyra would kill anyone who even breathes near her."

  "An accident? Bro, did you see her temper? He's probably dead by now."

  "Nah, I just saw him. He's still alive."

  "I don't believe you."

  "Yeah, he's definitely dead."

  "Rest in peace, unknown fresher. You had a good life."

  Within minutes, the rumors had spread like wildfire.

  Pawan Singh's name?

  Now known across the entire Gurukul.

  His introduction to the academy?

  Legendary.

  The Virtual Illusion Fades... and Reality Sets In

  By now, the trial had ended.

  The freshers were being led back to their designated transport buses, the first major test behind them.

  And as they did-

  The world around them flickered.

  Like a glitch in reality.

  And then-

  The dark forest?

  Gone.

  The monstrous creatures?

  Gone.

  The chaos, the destruction, the fear?

  All of it... vanished into thin air.

  It was as if none of it had ever existed.

  And when they looked up-

  There it was.

  The True Triveni Gurukul

  A colossal masterpiece of architecture and power.

  The academy of legends.

  A place that stood at the crossroads of the four great cities.

  ?? Uri's Advanced Technology - Pulsing through glowing energy circuits embedded in the academy's white marble walls. The air itself buzzed with invisible energy fields, and the pathways beneath their feet responded to their very movements.

  ?? Rice and Sain's Grand Architecture - Towering structures stood like monuments of an ancient empire, seamlessly fused with futuristic enhancements. Grand archways, golden bridges, and floating

  platforms created an aesthetic of timeless power.

  ?? Alok's Harmony with Nature - Sacred forests, crystal-clear lakes, and lush gardens surrounded the academy, a testament to the city's balance between civilization and the natural world. Birds flew alongside AI drones, and flowing rivers ran parallel to hovering highways.

  ---

  This wasn't just an academy.

  This was a world of its own.

  And as the freshers crossed its gates...

  Every single one of them felt it.

  A shift in reality.

  A change in destiny.

  This was where their journey truly began.

  The real battles, the real challenges... were about to begin.

  To be continued......