The announcement of the midterm examinations transformed the atmosphere of the academy overnight.
The training grounds, which were usually busy, became packed from dawn until well after sunset. Students who had once wasted time boasting or socializing now trained with uncommon seriousness. Even those who had considered themselves naturally gifted understood that talent alone would not guarantee a high ranking.
The academy rewarded results.
And results were measured through performance.
Krishak observed these changes calmly.
For him, examinations were not a source of stress.
They were an opportunity.
A chance to obtain resources.
A chance to gather information about his peers.
And a chance to evaluate Earth's younger generation.
Most importantly, it was an opportunity to test Lunafang in a structured environment.
That evening, Krishak sat cross-legged in his dormitory while Lunafang rested nearby.
He reviewed the midterm format.
The written exam posed no challenge.
The practical combat and survival trial were equally manageable.
The only real question was how much strength to reveal.
Krishak considered the matter carefully.
If he displayed too little, he might fail to secure the best rewards.
If he displayed too much, he would become the focus of intense scrutiny.
After some thought, he settled on a plan.
He would demonstrate:
A cultivation level of Early Grandmaster.
Combat power equivalent to Peak Grandmaster.
Exceptional but believable control and tactics.
This would be enough to dominate his age group while still appearing within the bounds of extraordinary talent.
His true combat power, capable of contending with King Realm experts, would remain hidden.
Krishak and Lunafang spent the next several nights focusing on coordinated combat.
Krishak devised a series of exercises:
1. Silent movement through dense forest.
2. Instant response to mental commands.
3. Ambush and flanking maneuvers.
4. Fighting while conserving energy.
5. Target prioritization.
Lunafang progressed rapidly.
The young wolf's intelligence and bloodline made him an ideal partner.
Within days, Krishak could send a single thought through their bond and Lunafang would understand immediately.
To prepare for the practical combat portion, Krishak created temporary training puppets using wood and formation arrays.
The puppets mimicked different combat styles:
Brute force fighters.
Agile assassins.
Ranged attackers.
Defensive specialists.
Lunafang learned how to exploit openings while Krishak engaged the primary threat.
The wolf's confidence grew with each session.
Krishak also used his greenhouse to prepare several high-quality potions.
These included:
Healing tonic.
Stamina recovery draught.
Focus elixir.
Antidote.
Though the academy would provide emergency support, carrying his own supplies was prudent.
He prepared enough for himself and a small reserve for Lunafang.
During lunch and free periods, Krishak quietly listened to conversations among students.
He learned that the strongest first-year contenders included:
Aarav Malhotra
A wealthy heir with a high-grade fire talent and access to expensive resources.
Ravi Sen
A disciplined student who had improved steadily through hard work.
Nisha Kapoor
A quiet but highly intelligent student specializing in water and healing techniques.
Vikram Rao
A physically powerful close-combat fighter.
Krishak made mental notes but felt little concern.
None posed a true threat.
One afternoon, Professor Devika noticed Krishak harvesting herbs.
"The examination is approaching," she said.
Krishak nodded.
She studied him thoughtfully.
"Power is important, but composure matters just as much."
Krishak smiled slightly.
"I'll keep that in mind."
The professor chuckled.
"Something tells me you already know."
As the examination drew nearer, Lunafang became increasingly focused.
He trained without complaint and followed Krishak everywhere.
The wolf seemed to understand that the coming tests were significant.
One night, after completing a difficult obstacle course, Lunafang stood proudly despite visible exhaustion.
Krishak knelt and scratched behind his ears.
"You've improved tremendously."
The wolf gave a happy rumble.
On the evening before the first written examination, Krishak reviewed his notes one final time.
Cultivation theory.
Beast classifications.
Herbology.
History.
He then closed the books.
There was no need for further study.
His knowledge exceeded the academy curriculum by an immeasurable margin.
Lunafang curled up beside the bed.
Krishak extinguished the lamp.
Tomorrow, the midterm examinations would begin.
For most students, it would be a test.
For Krishak, it would be the first public step toward establishing his position in this new life.