In a remarkable display of efficiency, the academy unveiled the exam results just hours after the tests concluded. It came as no surprise that Sun emerged as the top scorer. As the professor grading his paper evaluated each response, he noted that the challenges presented by this particular exam exceeded anything faced in previous years. Intrigued by Sun's outstanding performance, he reviewed the entire paper, pondering aloud, "There won't be anyone like this in the capital city." When the results were made public, it became evident that Sun was not only the best in Nagar City but had also secured the top position nationwide in theory. The news spread like wildfire, filling Prerna and their family with elation. Shortly thereafter, Sun and Prerna set off for the capital city, Vedantpur, to prepare for the upcoming practical exam. Fortunately, the journey from Nagar City was swift, allowing them to arrive comfortably.
Upon reaching Vedantpur, they found they had ample time before the practical exam scheduled for the next day. With an entire day to explore, Prerna suggested a visit to the vibrant market, followed by a stop to see one of her acquaintances who held a notable position within the Rawat Empire. Sun, captivated by the idea, eagerly agreed, and they ventured into the bustling market. As they meandered through lively stalls and colorful displays, an unexpected sight caught their eye: a battle arena. It was a venue for fierce knockout tournaments, where combatants faced off in intense matches; victors advanced to the next round while the defeated were eliminated. Prerna, her eyes sparkling with excitement, urged Sun to participate in the tournament.
She firmly believed that true mastery in swordsmanship came not just from study but from real-world experience. "Joining this tournament will not only provide us with invaluable experience," she asserted, "but it will also teach us about our opponents, which is crucial for future battles."
Motivated by Prerna's enthusiasm, Sun readied himself to compete in the arena. He faced numerous opponents, each more skilled than the last, until finally, he stood across from a formidable warrior named Pawan. Like Sun and Prerna, Pawan had also come to participate in the practical exam. Prerna leaned closer and shared, "Pawan is a skilled warrior of this generation, just like me. His martial arts skills are unmatched." She continued to explain that Pawan wielded a unique sword style, one that was said to invoke glimpses of wind at the edge of his blade. This was no ordinary flair; it was Pawan's blessing and power, capable of slicing through anything with his wind technique.
With the tournament heating up, the stage was set for an unforgettable showdown. Sun knew he had to summon every ounce of his skill and determination to face off against a warrior as talented as Pawan. The excitement was palpable, and both competitors were eager to see who would emerge victorious in this fierce battle of wills and skill. The competition between Sun and Pawan was exhilarating, captivating everyone in the audience. Though Sun might not possess the same level of martial arts skill as Pawan, he had an inner strength that seemed to draw from the inspiration and teachings of Prerna'.
As the tournament unfolded, the spectators were on the edge of their seats, fully engrossed in the unfolding drama. As the match reached its climax, both fighters unleashed their final power moves. What was particularly intriguing was that Pawan had refrained from using his blessing throughout the entire tournament.
Even without this significant advantage, Pawan demonstrated his remarkable capabilities as a martial artist. In the decisive moment, Pawan launched a powerful move towards Sun, but leveraging the yoga practices he had mastered in his previous life, he bent and twisted his body with impressive agility. Though not as supple as before, his movements were sufficient to evade Pawan's attack. Seizing the opportunity, Sun struck back with a quick counterattack that left Pawan with no choice but to activate his blessing for defense—an action he had hoped to avoid.
The tension in the arena was palpable as both fighters pushed their limits, showcasing not only their skills but also the emotional weight of their rivalry.