Chapter 1: The First Day of Manipur Sorcery University
A boy stood tall before the ancient Kangla Gate, a faint smile resting on his face.
His name was Thangjam Lanthaba.
Students gathered around the gate, their voices filled with excitement and nervous whispers. For the outside world, Kangla was nothing more than a historical landmark. But for those standing here today, it marked the boundary between ordinary life and a hidden truth.
Lanthaba took a deep breath.
"Finally… after so many tests and selections, I made it," he said quietly.
"It would have been better if my brother were here."
Before he could sink further into thought, a loud, commanding voice echoed across the courtyard.
"All admitted students, move forward!"
A man in a formal suit stood near the gate, his posture sharp and authoritative. The moment he spoke, the crowd fell silent.
"From today onward, you are no longer ordinary citizens," the man continued. "You are candidates to become the next generation of sorcerers. Prepare yourselves for a new life."
As the students passed through Kangla Gate, the space ahead of them distorted.
A massive portal unfolded in the air, its surface shimmering as it connected directly to Thawai Leipak.
Gasps spread through the crowd.
Lanthaba's eyes lit up. "Three realms exist," he whispered.
"Meeyoileipak, the mortal realm.
Thawai Leipak, the realm of sorcerers.
And Lairois Leipak, where evil entities are born."
"The Lairois always try to cross into our world," he added under his breath. "To destroy the balance."
Before the students could step forward, a tall figure walked past them confidently.
Black hair styled into a sharp pompadour, a jacket with thick fur lining the collar, and a presence that demanded attention without effort.
He turned toward the crowd and spoke loudly.
"I am Sorel Yaipokpa, a senior student of Manipur Sorcery University."
His voice carried strength and certainty.
"Humanity survives because sorcerers exist. Power alone means nothing—what matters is purpose."
He gestured toward the portal.
"To enter this university, each of you must prove yourselves. You will duel a Lower-Rank Lairois. Defeat it, and you may enter. Fail, and you will return."
Tension filled the air.
One by one, students stepped forward.
Some struggled but succeeded.
Others were defeated and escorted away.
Then a boy named Nongthombam Yaikhomba stepped into the arena.
The duel ended in two minutes and forty-three seconds.
The fastest record among new students.
Applause erupted.
Soon after, another name was called.
"Thangjam Lanthaba."
Lanthaba stepped forward calmly.
From the portal emerged a giant wolf-shaped Lairois, its body twisted and unnatural, eyes burning with hostility. The barrier sealed, trapping both inside.
The wolf attacked instantly, lunging with terrifying speed.
Lanthaba moved at the last moment, his body shifting lightly as if gravity had loosened its grip on him. The claws missed, and he countered with a clean strike to the creature's side.
The Lairois turned sharply, snapping its jaws, but Lanthaba slid beneath the attack, landing low and delivering a powerful kick to its leg. The beast staggered.
Using precise martial movements, Lanthaba continued striking—never wasting motion, never overcommitting. Each time the wolf charged, he redirected its momentum, striking joints and vital points instead of clashing head-on.
The Lairois roared and launched a desperate assault.
Lanthaba leapt, twisted in mid-air, and drove a crushing blow onto the creature's back. The impact shattered its stance. Before it could recover, the Lairois collapsed, its form dissolving as the barrier released.
The time was recorded.
Two minutes and forty-five seconds.
Just short of Yaikhomba's record.
As Lanthaba stepped out, Yaikhomba approached him with a bright smile.
"That was amazing," he said. "Welcome to the university."
Lanthaba smiled back.
Sorel Yaipokpa raised his voice once more. "Those who passed—enter with resolve. The path of a sorcerer is not easy, but it is necessary."
Lanthaba walked through the portal and stopped.
Before him stood Manipur Sorcery University—a place where ancient traditions and modern structures existed side by side.
His new life had begun.