Two months passed in a steady rhythm of study and training.
Krishak's days were now divided between academy classes, greenhouse research, library study, and cultivation.
His nights belonged to Lunafang, the Azurewood Forest, and the silent refinement of his own body.
The Moonshadow Wolf had grown noticeably larger.
What had once been a small cub was now a sleek young wolf with powerful limbs, silver fur, and luminous blue markings that pulsed faintly whenever he absorbed moonlight.
Lunafang's cultivation had stabilized at the Mid Martial Warrior Realm, and his mastery of Shadow Concealment improved with every passing night.
Krishak's own cultivation had also advanced steadily.
By refining only the purest spiritual energy, he had reached the peak of the Late Grandmaster Realm.
His actual combat power, however, was already sufficient to contend with ordinary King Realm experts.
On Earth, that placed him among the strongest beings alive.
And yet he remained a six-year-old first-year student.
One crisp morning, a bell rang throughout the campus.
All students were instructed to gather in the central arena.
The vast circular stadium quickly filled with hundreds of young cultivators.
Faculty members stood on elevated platforms overlooking the crowd.
At the center of the arena, Headmaster Rudra stepped forward.
His calm but powerful voice carried to every corner.
"The midterm examinations will begin in two weeks."
A wave of excitement swept through the students.
The Headmaster raised his hand for silence.
"The examination consists of four parts.
1. Written Assessment
Testing knowledge of cultivation theory, beast lore, herbology, and world history.
2. Practical Combat
Individual battles against academy-selected opponents.
3. Survival Trial
Students will enter Azurewood Forest and complete assigned objectives.
4. Team Evaluation
Assessment of cooperation, leadership, and adaptability.
Rudra's gaze swept across the crowd.
"Your overall performance will determine rankings, rewards, and eligibility for advanced opportunities."
The Headmaster continued.
"The top ten students in each year will receive academy contribution points.
"The top three will gain access to specialized resources.
"The first-place student will earn the right to choose one item from the academy treasury's outer vault."
This announcement caused immediate uproar.
The treasury contained resources worth fortunes.
Even access to the outer vault was a tremendous opportunity.
Krishak listened with quiet interest.
Such rewards could accelerate both his own progress and Lunafang's growth.
Around him, students buzzed with anticipation.
Ravi clenched his fists, determination burning in his eyes.
He had trained relentlessly and hoped to prove himself.
Aarav, the wealthy and arrogant student who had challenged Krishak earlier in the year, wore a confident smirk.
He clearly intended to dominate the rankings.
Many students glanced toward Krishak.
To most, he was the favorite.
Krishak had little interest in fame.
But the academy treasury and additional resources were undeniably valuable.
He also recognized the importance of maintaining his reputation as a top talent.
Winning the examination would strengthen his influence within the academy.
And influence was a resource as useful as any treasure.
Krishak looked down at Lunafang.
"We'll participate seriously."
The silver wolf barked in agreement.
Over the following days, the academy's atmosphere intensified.
Training grounds remained crowded late into the night.
Students exchanged information and formed temporary alliances for the survival trial.
Instructors provided review sessions and practical guidance.
Krishak adjusted his own schedule.
He continued cultivating, but devoted more time to:
Reviewing Earth's known beast species.
Preparing herbs and recovery tonics.
Practicing forest survival.
Refining coordination with Lunafang.
He also began considering how much of his true strength he should reveal.
Too little, and he might lose valuable opportunities.
Too much, and he would attract unnecessary attention.
The ideal solution lay in overwhelming competence that still appeared plausible for a prodigy.
That evening, through his clone, Krishak informed his disciples about the academy' s examination.
Master Kiran used the occasion as a lesson.
"Competition reveals character."
"Some seek glory."
"Some fear failure."
"The wise seek growth."
The five disciples listened carefully.
Each understood that their own day of testing would eventually come.
Back in Greenhouse Room Seven, Krishak harvested several mature herbs.
He refined them into basic healing and recovery potions.
Though simple by his standards, they were superior to most products available to students.
He stored them neatly in his pouch.
Lunafang sat nearby, watching attentively.
The wolf seemed to understand that an important challenge was approaching.
Krishak sealed the final vial and placed it beside his notes.
The midterm examination would be more than a test of strength.
It would be an opportunity to measure the progress of everything he had built so far.
And for the first time since entering the academy, Krishak intended to compete with a clear objective.
First place.