The rest day ended, and the tension in the air thickened as the students gathered in the grand Coliseum of Arunachal Pradesh Academy. The massive structure towered over them, its walls adorned with statues of past champions.
Headmaster Dhruv Jomoh stood on the elevated stage, his cloak swaying as his gaze swept across the competitors.
> "Congratulations to those who survived the first challenge."
His voice carried authority, sending a shiver down some students' spines.
> "But survival is not just about strength."
The air grew heavy.
> "Your next test is the Trial of the Mind."
A collective murmur spread through the students.
Rules of the Second Challenge
The massive holographic screen behind the Headmaster flickered to life, displaying seven doors, each marked with an ancient symbol.
> "Each academy will send three members into a separate chamber. Inside, you will face illusions, puzzles, and mind games designed to break you. If you fail, you will be trapped until the challenge ends."
A student from Nagaland Academy scoffed. "Trapped? This is just a mental challenge."
Headmaster Dhruv's expression darkened. "A mind that breaks is more fragile than a body that bleeds."
The murmurs stopped.
Mri exchanged glances with his teammates. This challenge was different—brute force wouldn't work here.
> "Three members per team. Choose wisely."
Jengraimukh Academy's Chosen Three
After a brief discussion, the three chosen from Jengraimukh Academy were:
Mri – Known for his sharp instincts and unshakable willpower.
Jasmine – A strategist with a sharp mind.
Shahid – Possessing a strong mental fortitude and knowledge of aura mechanics.
The three stepped forward as the doors opened. Each academy sent their chosen members, and soon, the competitors disappeared into the chambers of the Trial of the Mind.
As Mri walked through the door, a sudden darkness engulfed him.
> This test… had already begun.