The jungle had tested them, but they had survived.
Mri and his team moved swiftly, navigating through the dense forest, following the holographic map's guidance. The final stretch was treacherous, but after hours of caution and endurance, they saw it—
The Safe Zone.
A towering stone archway stood at the clearing's edge, surrounded by shimmering energy fields. Beyond it, the open training grounds of Arunachal Pradesh Academy stretched wide, filled with teams that had already arrived.
As Mri's team stepped through the barrier, a loud chime echoed across the arena.
> "Jengraimukh Academy has successfully completed the Survival Challenge!"
The announcement sent a wave of murmurs through the crowd. They had done it.
Ayang grinned. "Finally! We can breathe."
Jasmine smirked. "Not bad for our first challenge."
The Meghalaya Academy team followed closely behind, stepping through the barrier as well.
> "Congratulations," their leader, a sharp-eyed student named Rei Marak, said. "You guys fought well out there."
Mri nodded. "You too. Let's see how long this alliance holds up."
The S-Rank students exchanged knowing glances—this was only the beginning.
A Well-Deserved Rest
The next day was a rest day.
For the first time since arriving at the Academy, the students could finally relax.
Some students slept the entire day.
Others explored the Academy grounds, marveling at its grand libraries, weapon halls, and aura research labs.
Mri, however, couldn't rest.
He sat at the edge of the academy's training courtyard, staring at the night sky.
> That shadowy figure… Who were they?
A soft voice interrupted his thoughts.
> "You're thinking too much."
Mri turned. Jasmine stood nearby, arms crossed.
> "You should rest while you can."
Mri smirked. "Since when do you give me advice?"
Jasmine rolled her eyes. "Since you started acting all mysterious."
Mri chuckled, but deep down, his thoughts remained restless.
> The real battle was only just beginning.