Chapter 17: The New Beginning

The sun had barely risen above the school grounds when the principal's office received an unusual visitor. Colonel Vikrant Rathore, a towering man in crisp olive-green uniform with sharp eyes and an aura of discipline, entered the campus. His medals shimmered subtly in the morning light, and with every step, he carried the weight of authority and purpose.

Principal Sharma stood up from his chair the moment the Colonel stepped in.

"Welcome, Colonel Rathore," he greeted with a respectful nod. "To what do we owe the honour?"

The Colonel placed a thick navy-blue file on the desk and sat opposite the principal with a commanding calm.

"I'll get straight to the point, Principal Sharma," he said, voice low but clear. "The Annual Tournament has revealed more than just winners. It has revealed potential. Sharp minds. Disciplined bodies. And above all — warriors in the making."

He slid the file forward. "I have shortlisted twelve students from your institution. Based on their performance, teamwork, resilience, and raw aptitude. With your cooperation, we'd like to offer them a place in a special National Army Cadet Training Programme — an elite initiative to groom the future guardians of this nation."

Principal Sharma flipped through the file. Photographs, academic reports, performance evaluations — everything was detailed, precise.

"These names…" he paused. "This isn't just about sports talent, is it?"

"No," Colonel said firmly. "This is about character. And potential for greatness."

"And… parental permissions?"

"That responsibility lies with the school," the Colonel replied. "We'll need formal consent forms. You'll handle the communication with the guardians. Also, keep it discreet — no announcements, no leaks. The programme is confidential until orientation begins."

The principal nodded, understanding the weight of the task.

Colonel Rathore leaned slightly forward. "Have these forms signed and returned to our office within seven working days. We begin assessments next month."

Principal Sharma straightened up. "Consider it done, sir."

The Colonel stood, adjusted his cap, and began to walk toward the door.

But just before leaving, he stopped.

"One more thing," he said, turning slowly. "There's one more student I want to meet. Not on that list."

The principal blinked. "May I know who?"

Colonel gave a faint smirk. "Soon."

Then, without another word, he walked out.

That afternoon, Rivet returned home, unaware of the conversation that had just changed his life.

The day had felt… strange. Not heavy. Just… charged. Like something waited on the other side of silence.

He dropped his bag on the bed and stretched. Just as he was about to freshen up, his phone buzzed.

Beep.

The screen lit up with a message from the school: "1 new confidential message from Principal Sharma ."

He tapped it.

Suddenly, a soft blue glow emitted from the screen as a 3D holographic display projected out, shimmering mid-air.

> "Dear Student,

You have been selected for a Special National Army Cadet Training Programme, based on your exceptional performance and discipline during the Annual Tournament. This is a voluntary initiative. If you wish to accept this offer, please CONFIRM below within 48 hours. Further details will be shared post-confirmation.

This message is confidential. Sharing its contents is strictly prohibited."

Rivet froze. His breath caught somewhere between shock and awe.

He stared at the floating text. His thumb hovered over the "CONFIRM" button.

Was he ready? Was this what everything had been building toward?

He closed his eyes for a second. Then pressed CONFIRM.

The hologram blinked. "Confirmation Received."

And just like that, the message dissolved into the air.

Elsewhere, in the stillness of the administrative hallway, Colonel Rathore stood silently outside a classroom. Principal Sharma watched from a distance.

The Colonel turned to him one last time.

"There's one more candidate," he said. "Off the record. I'll speak to him personally."

Principal Sharma hesitated, then gave a short nod. "Of course, sir. It's your call."

The Colonel walked forward and entered the room.

A lone student stood by the window — his back turned.

Colonel Rathore stepped closer and said quietly:

"You've tasted defeat. But what's burning inside you now… isn't shame. It's hunger. I see it. The question is—are you ready to become what even victory fears?"

The student turned his face — just enough for the edge of a scar to catch the light.

Fade to black.

End of Chapter 17