Chapter 10: Results and New Horizons

Rishi's anticipation grew as the days passed. The results of the Business Strategy Mastery Exam would determine whether his early graduation plan would move forward. While he felt confident, he also knew that a single misstep could shatter his efforts.

[System Notification: Exam Results Pending]

Mission Progress: Academic Excellence – 50% Completed Time Until Results: 48 Hours

Rather than wait idly, Rishi decided to use the time productively. He needed to be proactive and prepare for the next phase of his plan. If he passed the exam, his workload would double, meaning he had to set up an efficient study and business routine.

The following morning, Rishi walked through the bustling campus of Kanpur Commerce and Business College (KCBC), heading toward the administration office. He had another goal in mind—securing an internship at a top firm. He knew that just excelling academically wouldn't be enough; real-world experience was necessary.

He stopped outside the faculty office and knocked. A familiar voice answered, "Come in."

Dr. Mahesh Verma, the Dean of Academics, looked up from his paperwork and smiled faintly. "Rishi Verma. You never stop pushing boundaries, do you?"

Rishi smirked. "If I did, I wouldn't be sitting here."

Dr. Verma gestured for him to sit. "Your exam results will be out soon. I assume you're here for something else?"

"Yes, sir," Rishi said. "I want to secure an internship at a top business firm."

The dean folded his hands. "You're ambitious, I'll give you that. But internships are typically awarded based on third-year performance."

[Persuasion Skill Activated]

"With all due respect, sir, I believe an exception can be made," Rishi argued. "If my exam results prove that I'm capable, I should be allowed to gain practical experience early. The sooner I work in the industry, the more prepared I'll be."

Dr. Verma observed him closely, then sighed. "There is one possibility. Singhania & Co., one of the largest business firms in the country, is looking for interns. However, they only take top performers."

Rishi leaned forward. "And if I score above 90% in the exam?"

The dean smirked. "Then I'll write you a recommendation myself."

A System Notification popped up.

[New Sub-Mission: Secure a Prestigious Internship]

Objective: Earn 90%+ in the Business Strategy Mastery Exam and gain a recommendation for Singhania & Co. Reward: Internship Offer, Business Acumen +2 Penalty: Missed opportunity for early industry experience

Rishi nodded. "I'll hold you to that, sir."

Two days later, the results were finally out. As he walked toward the results board, his heart pounded slightly—a rare occurrence for someone usually so composed. Students were already gathered around, murmuring and pointing at names.

He spotted Ananya in the crowd. She turned to him, eyes wide. "Rishi… you need to see this."

Stepping forward, he scanned the list until he found his name.

Rishi Verma – 96%

A System Notification immediately followed.

[Mission Completed: Academic Excellence]

Rewards: Business Communication Skill +1, ₹5,000 System Funds Bonus Achieved: High Distinction – Extra ₹2,000 System Funds

Rishi exhaled in satisfaction. He had done it.

Ananya nudged him. "Alright, genius. What's next?"

He grinned. "A meeting with the dean—and then, Singhania & Co."

Rishi arrived at Dr. Verma's office later that day, his confidence unshaken. The dean, already aware of his performance, greeted him with a satisfied nod.

"I must admit, Rishi, you exceeded my expectations."

Rishi smiled. "I take my commitments seriously, sir."

Dr. Verma leaned back. "As promised, I'll be recommending you for the internship at Singhania & Co. However, you'll still have to go through their interview process. They don't just take grades into account; they assess strategic thinking, leadership, and adaptability."

[New Sub-Mission: Pass the Singhania & Co. Interview]

Objective: Secure the internship through a successful interview. Reward: Business Strategy Skill +1, Professional Networking Boost. Penalty: Lost opportunity at Singhania & Co.

Rishi nodded. "Understood, sir. I'm ready for the challenge."

As he walked out of the office, Ananya caught up with him. "So, you got the recommendation?"

He nodded. "Yeah, but now I have to ace the interview."

Ananya smirked. "You always need a challenge, don't you?"

Rishi chuckled. "That's what keeps life interesting."

As they strolled through the campus, discussing possible interview questions and case study approaches, Rishi realized something—he was no longer just a student trying to pass exams. He was stepping into the real world, and the stakes were higher than ever.

[Mission Progress: Career Advancement – 10% Completed]

The road ahead was filled with new obstacles, but Rishi had never been more ready to face them.