One year later. Ruhi, her friend Anya, and her younger sister Diya, who was now in the first year of the Warriors Academy, walked together toward the Yggdrasil tree . out of the guarded tree stood the great auditorium where all the programs of the Earth Realm or even combined Realm programs always took place. Today was the results day.
Anya's heart was beating fast. She tucked her light brown hair behind her ear, the strands catching the light as her orange eyes shone with nervousness. She was worried about how she had done. Out of all the three schools in the Earth Realm, forty eight students had participated in the exam. Anya had been one of them, so was Ruhi but Diya was not as she was in 1st year she will give the exam next year.
The three girls went to the large board where the results were put up.
Ruhi's eyes widened. Her name was right at the top. She had secured the highest marks, a full hundred. Her breath caught and her lips parted in disbelief.
Diya clapped her hands and pointed at the board. "Oh my god sister, look at this. There's a guy named Ekaksh who got twenty seven and a half. Isn't that the lowest score ever ? I heard the passing marks were twenty seven."
Anya laughed softly. "Yeah, I do agree. I feel pity. I don't know how he'll survive."
Ruhi smiled faintly. "Don't worry about him. I hope he'll do fine."
They continued looking at the board. The second highest score belonged to a boy named Aarav, who had scored ninety eight. His name glowed near the top. Not far down, they found Anya's name as well. She had scored eighty nine out of hundred, which was a decent score too, earning her the eighteenth rank out of all forty eight students.
The three of them exchanged glances, excitement bubbling up as they turned and walked into the auditorium for the announcement ceremony.
The scene shifted to Aarav, a boy with striking white hair and calm blue eyes, standing beside his best friend Karan, who had black hair and warm brown eyes. The two of them were just outside the auditorium when Karan held out a small box with a grin.
"Yo man, have some sandwich," Karan said cheerfully. "I know you're rich and you probably have all the fancy food at home, but this is what my mother cooked. Sometimes you just feel like eating something made by your mom, right? It just tastes different."
Aarav accepted the box quietly, his calm nature never fading. "Thank you, Karan. You're right. Food made with love… it always has something special in it."
For a moment, his eyes grew distant. A memory flickered in his mind, a flashback of eight years ago. Even though his parents had not been warriors, they had been royalties who carried themselves with dignity. That fight all those years back had taken them both, leaving Aarav behind with his little sister. The entire fortune and royal wealth had fallen into his hands, but no amount of gold could replace the warmth of a mother's food or the comfort of his father's presence.
Karan nudged him gently, pulling him out of his thoughts. "Come on, let's go see how badly you've beaten me."
They walked up to the results board together. Karan scanned quickly, then clapped Aarav's shoulder. "Yo man, look at this. You got the second highest score. Ninety eight. Gentleman as always. But wait… who got the first?" His eyes squinted at the list. "Some girl named Ruhi. Huh, interesting."
Aarav's lips curved in a faint smile. "I suppose she did better. She must be talented."
Karan moved his eyes down until he spotted his own name. "Oh yes, here we are. Eighty nine. Seventeenth rank. Not bad at all. Hey, some girl named Anya got the same marks as me, but look at that. They gave me the higher rank. Guess it's because of my attendance and… obviously my superior magic skills." He puffed his chest out proudly, then immediately laughed. "Okay maybe just the attendance part. But still, I'll take it."
Aarav chuckled softly. "Yes, you deserve it."
Karan leaned in closer. "Bro, I heard we'll be divided into houses now. I honestly wasn't paying attention when the professors explained it. Can you run me through what the houses are?"
Aarav nodded, calm as ever. "In the Galaxy Realm there are four houses. Nebula, star, Supernova and Comet. Each represents a different aspect of cosmic power. In the Earth Realm we have six houses, named after precious stones. Topaz, Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Amethyst, and Onyx. They all carry the qualities of their stones. And in the Underworld, things are different. They don't use jewels or stars. They divide them differently. The Dreams , the Nightmare, and the illusion."
Karan whistled low. "Man, that sounds like a lot. But hey, I just hope we end up in the same house. Otherwise, who am I supposed to be with?"
Aarav gave him a rare smile. "I hope so too. I would prefer to keep my only friend close."
"Your only friend?" Karan raised his eyebrows playfully. "That's a lot of pressure, Aarav. Guess I'll just have to be your best friend forever then."
The two of them laughed together as they walked into the auditorium, the warmth of their friendship making the nerves of the results day feel lighter. They found their seats, waiting for the ceremony to begin.
The auditorium glowed with lanterns of every color, banners of the six houses fluttering above the stage. The murmur of excited voices filled the air until suddenly, silence swept over the room. At the center stood the prince of the Earth Realm, tall and composed, with the princess beside him, her eyes sharp and confident. Both of them wore the warrior's crest proudly upon their armor.
The prince lifted his hand. "I congratulate the new batch of warriors . Today, your journey begins. You will be tested, forged, and prepared to carry the honor of the Earth Realm." His voice rang clear and commanding.
He raised his other hand, motioning toward the banners. "There are six houses, each with their own spirit and strength. Ruby House, led by Captain Alexander. Sapphire House, led by Captain Arya. Emerald House, led by Captain Vamika. Topaz House, led by Captain Nivan. Amethyst House, led by Captain Dravin. And Onyx House, led by Captain Felix. Each of you will be sorted into one of these houses, where your training shall shape your destiny."
With a sweep of his palm, the prince summoned a current of wind. A glowing satchel appeared, filled with slips of paper, and drifted across the rows of students. Each slip bore the crest of a house. One by one, the students reached in and drew their fate .
students were divided into house by they qualities.
Ruhi's fingers trembled as she picked her chit. When she opened it, her heart leapt. "Topaz…" she whispered. Anya leaned over, her orange eyes shining, and grinned. "Me too!" Both girls clasped hands, delighted.
Across the hall, Karan and Aarav also unfolded their slips, exchanging smiles. "Topaz," Karan said proudly. Aarav gave a small, satisfied nod. "Looks like we'll be training together after all."
The students were guided to their house tents lined neatly at the edges of the auditorium grounds. At the Topaz tent, Ruhi and Anya arrived first, followed by Aarav and Karan. Soon after, a girl with long black hair and sharp eyes entered. "Jiya,".
Then came Vedant, whose confident smile lingered too long on Ruhi. He seemed almost eager, as though already imagining standing by her side. Next arrived Ekaksh, quiet at first glance, but his eyes softened the moment they fell on Ruhi. Something in his chest sparked, a childish crush igniting before he could stop it.
And finally, he entered. Kian. He was steady, his black hair brushing lightly across his forehead, his dark eyes unreadable yet captivating. Ruhi and Anya both gasped, their hearts racing. In an instant, a memory crashed back five years ago, by the rushing sea, when Ruhi had slipped and nearly fallen. It was Kian who had caught her hand, pulling her back to safety. She remembered the warmth of his palm, the tiny birthmark etched there. As her gaze flicked to his hand now, she saw it again. Her breath caught. It was him.
Jiya's eyes narrowed, glaring kian . Vedant straightened his back, determined to impress. Ekaksh couldn't stop staring, caught in the glow of a new feeling. And Kian? He simply stood, calm and unreadable, yet his presence filled the tent with quiet power.
Captain Nivan soon arrived, flanked by his squad leaders. "Welcome to Topaz House," he announced firmly. Beside him stood the vice captain, Aryan, and the three senior members Sara, Zara, and Arjun.
"All of you, line up," Nivan ordered. The eight new recruits quickly formed a row. His sharp gaze swept over them. "Each of you will introduce yourself. State your name, your marks in the test, the magic you can use, and your aim as a warrior."
[Captain Nivan claps his hands]
Nivan: "We have three girls and five boys. To make it fair, let's do boy, girl, boy, girl. Line up!"
[The students shuffle into line. The next boy steps forward.]
Vedant (grinning confidently, running a hand through his green hair):
"Hello everyone! My name is Vedant, I'll be turning fourteen this year."
[He glances at Ruhi for a second, flashing a charming smile.]
Vedant:
"My dominant element is Earth, and right now my body composition is: 60% earth, 15% water, 8% lightning, 2% fire, and 15% wind.
I can currently use wood magic, sand magic, crystal magic, and mud magic."
[He puffs his chest proudly.]
Vedant:
"I scored 78 in the entrance exam, and I aspire to become an Elite Warrior one day. Thank you."
[Next in line, a girl with sharp eyes and a proud smirk steps forward. She flicks her hair back as if the others don't matter.]
Jiya (with attitude, arms crossed):
"Hello. I'm Jiya, and I'll be turning fourteen this year."
[She speaks in a slow, deliberate tone, as though everyone should already know her name.]
Jiya:
"My dominant element is Lightning, and my body composition right now is: 50% lightning, 15% earth, 12% water, and 8% wind… oh, and 5% fire."
[She tilts her chin up, smirking.]
Jiya:
"I can currently use lightning magic and healing magic. My mother was from the East, so I also know a bit of healing magic."
[She rolls her eyes slightly, as if bored.]
Jiya:
"I studied at rose School. I scored 64 out of 100 in the entrance exam, which is… well, good enough. I don't need to flatter myself the results already speak."
[She smirks again, then adds with mock sweetness.]
Jiya:
"And as for the future… I don't just aspire to be a warrior. I aspire to be… a princess. Thank you."
[Vedant suddenly raises a finger with a grin.]
Vedant:
"Oh! And I forgot to mention I was from Rose School."
Karan (cheerful, casual):
"Hey everyone! I'm Karan. I'll be turning fourteen this year. My dominant element is Water."
[He counts on his fingers as he lists his stats, pretending to think hard.]
Karan:
"My body composition is… 60% water, 20% earth, 10% fire, 8% wind, and… 2% lightning. Yep, that's right."
[He grins, shrugging playfully.]
Karan:
"I can use water magic, ice magic, and smoke magic right now. I scored an 89 out of 100 on the exam , Oh, and I'm from Rose School ."
[He leans closer to the group, like he's sharing a secret.]
Karan:
"And here's the fun part. Out of the twelve special magics which are mostly used in earth realm from the galaxy and underworld realm, I can actually use one potion magic. I know how to brew the invisibility potion and, well… it works. I can turn invisible."
[He gives a wink, jokingly looking around as if he's about to vanish on the spot.]
Karan (grinning):
"So yeah I aspire to be a warrior who can actually help people. That's all… I think? Did I miss something? Nope, that's it. Thanks!"
[Next in line, a lively girl with a radiant smile steps forward. She bounces slightly on her toes, full of energy.]
Anya (energetic, cheerful):
"Hello everyone! My name is Anya, and I'll be fourteen this year!"
[She spreads her hands as if showing off her magic.]
Anya:
"My dominant element is Water. My body composition is 70% water, 10% fire, 10% earth, 8% wind, and 2% lightning. Right now, I can use Water Magic, Steam Magic, and Dust Magic."
[She leans slightly closer, as if sharing a secret.]
Anya:
"I also have one of the 12 special magic, just like Karan. It's called Mind Transformation Magic. For a few seconds or minutes, I can transfer someone's mind into mine. Their mind is unconscious until the magic ends, but I can observe and control it for as long as they can't resist." I know it's hard to explain .
[She straightens up, hands clasped politely in front of her.]
Anya:
"I'm from Cherry blossom School, and I scored 89 out of 100 on the entrance exam. I aspire to be a warrior who can help everyone, who can fight for our country and protect people."
[She smiles widely, glancing around the room.]
Anya:
"Did I miss something? I don't think so. Thank you!"
[Next in line, a tall, composed boy with striking white hair and deep blue eyes steps forward. His presence is calm, yet commanding attention.]
Aarav (gentle, confident):
"Hello everyone. My name is Aarav, and I'll be fourteen this year."
[He pauses slightly, letting the room absorb the information.]
Aarav:
"Well, I don't have just one, but two equally dominant elements—Fire and Water."
[A collective gasp echoes through the room as the combination of opposites surprises everyone.]
Karan (whispering to a friend, impressed):
"Isn't it cool? I know my best friend is the best."
Aarav (continuing smoothly):
"My body composition is 30% Fire, 30% Water, 22% Lightning, 10% Wind, and 8% Earth. Right now, I can use Fire Magic, Water Magic, Lava Magic, and Steam Magic."
[He shifts slightly, voice calm but with pride.]
Aarav:
"I also have a magic that is from galaxy realm my mom was from galaxy realm. Currently, only my younger sister and I can wield it in our family. It is Spatial Magic, which allows manipulation of space itself."
[He lets the words sink in, glancing briefly at the audience.]
Aarav:
"I scored 98 out of 100 on the entrance exam."
[Everyone gasps again, impressed.]
Aarav:
"I aspire to become a warrior who can protect all people during war and ensure that no child becomes orphaned."
[ Ruhi also determined .]
Aarav:
"I think that's all. Thank you. I am from Rose School ."
[Next in line is a girl with soft pink hair and striking green eyes. She steps forward, her hands lightly clasped, her calm aura tinged with a hint of nervousness.]
Ruhi (softly, a little shy):
"Hello everyone. My name is Ruhi. I'll be fourteen this year."
[She pauses, glancing at the floor for a moment, then takes a steadying breath.]
Ruhi:
"My elements… I don't have a single dominant element. Actually… all my elements are equally dominant."
[She fidgets slightly, her voice stuttering, showing her nervousness.]
Ruhi:
"My element composition is 20% Earth, 20% Fire, 20% Wind, 20% Lightning, and 20% Water."
[A collective gasp spreads across the room, eyes widening at her perfectly balanced composition.]
Ruhi (gaining a little confidence as she continues):
"I can use Fire Magic, Water Magic, Wind Magic, Earth Magic, and Lightning Magic. And I can also use Healing Magic, because my father was from the East of the Earth Realm, and my grandmother taught my younger sister and me healing techniques."
[She glances at Anya, a small, shared smile, then continues.]
Ruhi:
"I also learned a special magic along with Anya. Out of the twelve special magics, I can use Mind Communication Magic."
[She pauses, noticing the stunned faces around her. Murmurs of awe ripple through the room. She swallows, then continues.]
Ruhi:
"I scored 100 on the entrance exam."
[Another round of gasps echoes. She smiles faintly, her eyes steady.]
Ruhi:
"I aspire to become a warrior, to prove myself, to honor my parents' legacy, and to follow the path they once chose. I am from Cherry blossom School. Thank you.
[Next in line is a tall boy with dark eyes and a calm, unreadable expression. He walks forward casually, as if he doesn't care, yet there's a quiet intensity about him.]
Kian (monotone, almost bored):
"My name is Kian. I'll be fourteen this year. My dominant element is Wind."
[He glances around briefly, voice steady, with just a hint of pride.]
Kian:
"My element composition is 40% Wind, 15% Earth, 15% Fire, 15% Water, and 15% Lightning. I can use Wind, Lava, Lightning, and Poison Magic. I learned Poison Magic from one of my parents who was from the East side. I can also wield a katana."
[He shrugs lightly, as if mentioning the next detail is tedious.]
Kian:
"I scored 91% in the exam. I am from Lotus School ."
[He pauses, his eyes scanning the room with a cool, detached look. Then, as if casually dropping a bomb, he speaks.]
Kian:
"I aspire to become the king."
[A stunned silence falls over the room. Whispers ripple through the students. Kian raises an eyebrow slightly, unfazed, then continues.]
Kian:
"I can also use one of the twelve special magics Mind Reading Magic. I don't use it often because it's too noisy in the head, but I can use it whenever I wish. That's all."
[He steps back and folds his arms, expression unreadable, leaving everyone in quiet awe and slight unease.]
[The last student steps forward, a bright grin spreading across his face. His energy is infectious, and you can tell he's the prankster of the group.]
Ekaksh (grinning, slightly confused):
"Hi… hello guys! I'm Ekaksh. Uh… what am I supposed to say again? Can someone tell me?"
[One of the senior members leans forward, giving him a small hint.]
Ekaksh (snapping his fingers as if remembering):
"Oh right! Okay, about my elements… hmm… I don't exactly remember the composition, but my dominant elements are Fire and Wind."
[He scratches his head, thinking hard about his practiced magics.]
Ekaksh:
"As for the magic I can use… let me see… I got Fire, Lava, Smoke, Wind, and Dust. Yeah, that's all I remember!"
[He grins wider, almost proud of himself.]
Ekaksh:
"Oh! And I also know a special magic! I didn't really want to learn it seriously, I just thought it'd be cool to transform into someone else and play pranks. It's one of the twelve special magics Transformation Magic."
[He pauses for a moment, pretending to think about his test score.]
Ekaksh (laughing):
"And my score… I got 27 and a half! Don't think it's because I'm bad at magic… it's because of my pranks and lack of discipline!"
[He winks at the group, lightening the mood.]
Ekaksh:
"I'm from Lotus School, and I aspire to become a warrior who can keep the rules in the Warrior School… while still having some fun, of course! or best remove the system of warrior school"
[The room erupts in soft laughter. Anya giggles, a small smile spreads across her face, and the Captain along with the three senior members chuckle at his antics.
[The Topaz House members stand in the auditorium as Captain Nivan surveys them with a wide grin.]
Captain Nivan:
"Oh my god… in all my life, I've never had a batch like this! Not just one, but I have four special magic wielders, and two of the highest exam scorers, a healer, a poison wielder, and even someone with magic from the Galaxy Realm! I wonder whose face I saw this morning. My luck is incredible! Topaz House is sixth now, but I hope with all of you spending more time together, we'll reach first place soon!"
[The students exchange excited glances, some chuckling at Nivan's enthusiasm.]
Vice Captain Aryan steps forward:
"And just two more things for today. You all may disperse to your houses to pack your stuff and then come to the Topaz quarters, where you will meet the rest of your squad members."
[He steps aside as Senior Sara speaks up.]
Sara:
"There's one more thing. You'll be divided into two squads of four each, chosen by chits. Pick carefully!"
[The students look at each other nervously. Anya and Ruhi silently wish they end up in the same squad. Ekaksh hopes he's with Ruhi. Karan and Arnav hope to be together. Vedant also hopes to be with Ruhi. Jia quietly wishes to be in the same squad as Kian, but Kian remains completely indifferent.]
[Sara hands out the chits. Four chits are labeled 1, and four chits are labeled 2. Students open them.]
Zara:
"Team one students, come to my left. Team two students, to my right."
[The teams are revealed:]
Team Eight: Kian, Ruhi, Aarav, Ekaksh
[Ekaksh beams with joy, his wish fulfilled. Everyone else has slightly disappointed expressions, except Kian, who remains expressionless.]
Team Nine: Jia, Anya, Karan, Vedant
[Vedant, Karan, Anya, and Jia exchange disappointed looks.]
Sara:
"Team Eight will stay in Dormitory Eight, Team Nine in Dormitory Nine. That's where you'll settle in and meet the senior members, vice captain, and captain in your house."
[The students murmur, some trying to hide their dissatisfaction.]
Arjun:
"One last thing. Could you please tell me how many siblings each of you has?"
[The students respond one by one:]
Vedant: "I have an older brother."
Jia: "I'm an only child."
Anya: "I'm an only child too."
Karan: "I'm also an only child."
Ruhi: "I have a younger sister."
Ekaksh: "I'm a single child."
Arnav: "I have a younger sister ."
Kian :-"I have a younger sister and .... a older brother"
Senior Arjun:
"Great. Now, you may go home and return in three days with your bags packed. Your families are being seen off today because you are now official members of Topaz House. You will be given your uniform, cloak, gloves, shoes, and crest, and your rooms will be shown to you. I hope you all do your best and make Topaz House proud!"
[The students nod, a mix of excitement, nerves, and anticipation in their expressions as they prepare to leave for the day.]
[The tent is quiet. Ruhi has stepped out to the washroom, leaving Anya, Kian, and Ekaksh alone.]
Ekaksh (grinning mischievously):
"Bro, I heard you can use mind reading. Can you please use it on me? Just one time?"
Kian (nonchalantly):
"No, it's annoying."
Ekaksh (pouting):
"Please, please, please!"
Kian (sighing):
"Fine."
[Kian focuses and uses his mind-reading magic. Ekaksh leans forward eagerly.]
Ekaksh:
"Tell me what I'm thinking right now. Guess the number!"
[Kian concentrates and catches the thought:]
Kian (calmly):
"Eight."
Ekaksh (excited):
"Whoa, okay! That's cool. Now we can know who has a crush on whom!"
[Kian is about to switch off his magic, but he overhears a thought from Anya who a little far from him , and it makes him pause.]
Anya (thinking, unaware):
"Isn't he the guy who saved Ruhi five years ago? I thought Ruhi liked him… I think Ruhi had a crush on him… wasn't he Ruhi's first love?"
[Kian freezes, slightly flustered. He realizes he was intentionally listening and wonders why it bothers him so much.]
Kian (thinking to himself):
"Why did I even want to hear that? I should turn it off."
[He deactivates his mind-reading magic. Ekaksh, Anya, and Ruhi return to the room, gathering their things, and soon, everyone disperses. Kian stays behind for a moment, reflecting.]
Kian (thinking):
"Why did I not stop myself? Why did I care about that five-year-old incident by the river?"
[Kian leaves for home too.]