The academy's autumn term progressed steadily.
Weeks passed, and the weather grew cooler. Crimson and gold leaves drifted across the training grounds, and the students settled into the rhythm of classes, cultivation, and practical exercises.
Krishak's reputation continued to rise.
Among instructors, he was recognized as one of the most gifted students in the academy's history.
Among his peers, he inspired a mixture of admiration, envy, and curiosity.
Among the academy's leadership, he had become a young talent worth observing carefully.
Krishak accepted the attention calmly.
As long as his true abilities remained hidden, public recognition was merely another tool.
One afternoon, a messenger delivered another sealed letter.
This time, the invitation came from Professor Devika.
Krishak opened the letter immediately.
Young Master Krishak,
Your aptitude in herbology has exceeded my expectations. I would like to invite you to assist in a special practical session this evening.
Please arrive at the Greenhouse Annex after sunset.
Professor Devika
Krishak folded the letter thoughtfully.
A special session arranged personally by one of the academy's most respected instructors was not a trivial matter.
After sunset, Krishak arrived at the Greenhouse Annex with Lunafang.
The structure was built entirely of reinforced glass and polished wood.
Inside, rows of rare medicinal plants grew in carefully controlled environments.
The air was warm and rich with spiritual energy.
Professor Devika was already waiting.
Several older students stood nearby, each wearing the green badge of the academy' s advanced herbology program.
When they noticed Krishak, a few raised their eyebrows.
One whispered, "He's younger than my little brother."
Devika silenced them with a glance.
At the center of the room stood a large pot containing a silver-blue vine.
Its leaves were wilted, and its spiritual fluctuations were unstable.
Professor Devika addressed the group.
"This is Moonveil Vine."
"It is highly valuable and notoriously difficult to cultivate."
She turned to the students.
"Tell me what is wrong.
The older students examined the plant and offered theories.
"Insufficient moonlight."
"Root rot."
"Nutrient imbalance."
Devika nodded but gave no indication of the correct answer.
Finally, she looked at Krishak.
"And your assessment?"
Krishak stepped forward.
He observed the discoloration of the leaves, the soil composition, and the rhythm of the plant's energy.
After a few moments, he answered.
"The roots are healthy."
"The issue is excessive fire-aspect residue in the soil."
"The plant's lunar affinity is being suppressed."
Professor Devika's eyes brightened.
"Correct."
Several older students stared at Krishak in disbelief.
Devika invited Krishak to demonstrate the solution.
He carefully removed a portion of the contaminated soil, added crushed Moonstone powder, and watered the roots with a diluted Silverleaf infusion.
Then he guided a trace of pure spiritual energy into the plant.
Within minutes, the vine's leaves regained some of their vitality.
A collective murmur spread through the room.
Professor Devika smiled openly.
"Excellent work."
After the session, the older students approached Krishak with newfound respect.
One of them, a third-year named Nikhil, bowed slightly.
"Your knowledge is impressive."
Krishak returned the gesture.
"We all continue learning."
Professor Devika later handed Krishak a small pouch.
Inside were several rare seeds and herb cuttings.
"These are for your personal study," she said.
"Use them wisely.'
Krishak accepted the gift with gratitude.
Back in his dormitory, Krishak examined the seeds.
Among them were:
Moonveil Vine
Silverleaf
Spirit Mint
Frostroot
These herbs would be extremely useful for both alchemy and Lunafang's cultivation.
Krishak immediately began planning a small medicinal garden.
If he could cultivate his own resources, his independence would increase significantly.
Lunafang sniffed the seeds curiously, clearly approving of the moon-aligned plants.
Krishak smiled.
"Yes, these will be useful."
He carefully stored the pouch.
Another opportunity had appeared.
And as always, he intended to make full use of it.