Chapter 40:A Day of Rest and Rising

The sun rose over Arunachal Pradesh Academy, casting a golden glow over the vast campus. After the brutal Labyrinth of Shadows, the participants were finally given a day to recover.

Mri and his team had earned a well-deserved rest—but something told him the real challenges were yet to come.

Morning at the Academy

Mri stretched, feeling the soreness in his muscles as he stepped onto the balcony of their dorm. The view of the academy grounds was breathtaking—lush forests, towering statues, and the massive battle arena where their skills would be tested again soon.

A knock on the door.

> "Mri, breakfast is ready."

It was Tanuja, standing outside with a smirk.

> "Coming," Mri replied, rubbing his eyes.

Down in the dining hall, the entire team—Ayang, Jasmine, Tanuja, and Shahid—sat around a long table, digging into a hearty breakfast.

> "We really survived a damn jungle and a mind-bending labyrinth," Ayang muttered, shaking his head.

> "And won both," Jasmine added with a small smile.

> "But the competition isn't over yet," Shahid reminded them. "Two events down. More to go."

Growing Rivalries

Across the hall, Mri noticed the Meghalaya Academy team, their five S-rank students sitting together. They exchanged nods of respect—a bond had been formed in the jungle—but there was still an unspoken challenge between them.

Further away, Nagaland and Manipur Academy teams whispered among themselves, throwing sharp glances at Mri's group.

> "They're watching us," Tanuja murmured.

> "Let them," Mri replied casually. "They know who's leading this tournament."

Just then, a sudden announcement rang through the speakers.

> "Attention participants! The next event details will be revealed tonight at the main auditorium. Until then, enjoy your rest!"

The team exchanged looks.

> "Something tells me 'rest' won't last long," Ayang muttered.

An Unsettling Presence

After breakfast, Mri took a solo walk through the academy grounds, passing by the Hall of Champions—a monument dedicated to past winners of the Strongest Academy Tournament.

As he ran his fingers across the names etched in stone, a cold voice interrupted his thoughts.

> "Admiring the past, are we?"

Mri turned to see Headmaster Dhruv Jomoh, his dark cloak billowing slightly.

> "You're impressive, Mri," Dhruv said. "But raw strength alone won't win this tournament."

Mri's eyes narrowed.

> "What are you trying to say?"

Dhruv smirked.

> "Just a warning. There are forces in this competition far greater than you realize. Be ready."

And with that, he walked away, his presence leaving a lingering sense of unease.

Mri exhaled, clenching his fists.

> "Whatever comes next… I'm ready."

That night, the truth about the next event would be revealed.