Chapter 8: The Entrance Exam
The grand campus of Nalanda University was filled with excitement and nervous energy as Aamir, Riya, and dozens of other students gathered together in the central courtyard. All around them, students were murmuring to one another, eagerly awaiting the beginning of the entrance exam that would determine their place at this prestigious institution. Aamir's stomach twisted with anticipation. He had trained for this moment, but the uncertainty of the unknown trial left him on edge.
Riya, on the other hand, appeared calm, though her eyes sparkled with excitement. She stood confidently, adjusting her bag and glancing at Aamir with a grin.
"Ready for the trial?" she asked, her voice full of enthusiasm.
Aamir gave a tight-lipped smile, feeling his adrenaline start to build, a familiar surge that helped him focus. "As ready as I'll ever be."
Around them, more students continued to arrive, forming neat lines in the center of the courtyard. The air was electric, as if the very ground beneath them buzzed with the anticipation of what was to come. It wasn't long before everyone had gathered, their murmurs fading as they all turned their attention to the large stage ahead.
The atmosphere shifted as a group of people, all wearing formal robes, began walking toward the stage. They were followed by seven individuals—each with a distinct presence—who commanded attention as they made their way to the front. These seven figures were the leaders of the seven guilds, the ruling authorities over the various disciplines of magic, combat, and mysticism at Nalanda.
Each of the guild leaders had their own air of power. The leader of Prakriti Sangh, a tall woman with flowing silver hair, carried a serene yet potent aura. The leader of Vidya Shastra, a middle-aged man in crisp, military-like attire, exuded confidence in both strategy and leadership. The leader of Surya Vansh, an older man with a kind smile, glowed with a warm, golden light. And the other four, representing Chhaya Marga, Rath Chakra, Adhyatmik Vidya, and Manas Yoddha, all seemed to be pillars of their respective domains, each radiating their own unique power and wisdom.
But among them all, there was one presence that stood out—the principal of Nalanda University, Raghuvir Sahay.
Raghuvir Sahay was an elderly man, his hair more silver than black, and his posture was that of someone who had seen countless battles, both physical and intellectual. Despite his age, he radiated a quiet, overwhelming power. He was more than just the principal—he was a legend in the realm of magic and warfare, having led battles and led Nalanda itself for decades. His presence commanded respect, and Aamir could feel the weight of it as he walked onto the stage, flanked by the guild leaders.