Yuvan's choice of the ātatipada (dark path) as a camouflage was strategic. He had a much more potent and hidden plan in mind, utilizing the akṣapada (soul path), which he had acquired from the original Ethan. This particular scroll held great value as Ethan's trump card, safeguarded for its immense potential. In addition to the ātmadāsatā (soul-enslavement) tantra, an even more crucial secret lay within the scroll—an invaluable method known as Ārōhī vidhi, designed to enhance one's talent grade and technique for atmabhishab (soul curse).

The Ārōhī vidhi method originated from both the soul path and blood path. It stipulated that the subject must have a cleansed body, have undergone body refining, and not have yet reached the first chakra. The first step involved undergoing soul refining, a process that needed to be completed earlier for better results. The subsequent phase necessitated cursed objects or artefacts, merging the cursed energy with internal energy to elevate the grade of the dormant serpent. This method could be applied until the subject reached the first chakra. However, it was risky, as death during the ritual was possible when the cursed energy was infused into the body or when the newly injected cursed energy clashed with the dormant internal energy, causing a fatal explosion. Success was uncertain, hinging on the individual's willpower.

Successful implementation would leave a trace of demonic cursed energy on the practitioner, and the subsequent tantra, soul path, was a demonic path. Should anyone witness Yuvan practising or perceive the aura associated with his practice, it could arouse suspicion of his affiliation with the demonic faction. To evade this, Yuvan opted for the ātatipada (dark path), which could act as a camouflage similar to the demonic path.

Reserving a secluded room for closed cultivation, Yuvan set off for his class. Upon arrival, he found Darryl already teaching, and his presence prompted an uneasy silence. Yuvan took his seat without a word, as the class continued.

However, Darryl's attempt to engage with Yuvan proved fruitless. Darryl called out, "Ethan! Why are you sitting at the back? Come to the front row; you don’t belong there." He requested a student at the front to vacate a desk for Yuvan.

Responding coolly, Yuvan rebuffed Darryl, stating, "I'm comfortable where I am right now."

Undeterred by Yuvan's dismissive attitude, Darryl continued with the class. He announced the instructions from the headmaster's office regarding a special session for soul refining, indicating that those interested should attend at the ground hall that night. He added, "There will be a screening due to the high number of requests."

Moving on to the main topic, Darryl introduced the hunting competition, an event held for first-year students after the completion of their initial six months of study. The competition aimed to offer students a taste of real-world challenges, emphasizing that the practical application of cultivation and tantras was paramount in combat scenarios. It provided an opportunity for students to compete, raising their rankings based on their performance.

Darryl's voice carried a mix of authority and condescension as he continued addressing the class, "For those of you who don’t know the rules, shame on you for not knowing. Anyway, as your benevolent mentor, I will teach you."

Explaining the rules, Darryl began, "At the start of the competition, each student is given a token with a value corresponding to their talent grade, ranging from twenty to a hundred points." He remarked that most students would likely receive tokens between forty and fifty points. "After token allocation, students pass through a portal that transports them to random locations within a vast jungle. To prevent unfair advantages, students enter the portal one after the other, with brief intervals." Darryl highlighted that this arrangement prevented concentration in one area and ensured equal opportunities. Students were tasked with hunting their peers to collect tokens and increase their own point tally, making evasion crucial. Notably, the use of artefacts is strictly prohibited.

“Any questions,” Darryl asked. Since, knowing that Darryl would just ignore them, nobody asked any question.

"None of you have any questions. Pathetic!" Darryl's words dripped with disappointment and reproach. He scolded the class, admonishing them for not seizing the opportunity to clarify their doubts. His reprimand implied that they should be more proactive in seeking knowledge and guidance.

"You should treasure the opportunity provided by your mentors, grab it by both hands," he continued, his tone urging the students to take their education seriously. "Learn from them and become strong. Raise your rank the same way your classmate has done, by challenging someone of a higher rank for a duel."

Darryl's persistence in mentioning Yuvan's accomplishments, particularly his victory over Lucas, underscored his eagerness to impress Yuvan and perhaps secure his allegiance. Darryl's aspirations for success were intertwined with Yuvan's potential.

"Now our Ethan is ranked fourth among the first years, with Lucas being dropped to the fifth," Darryl proclaimed, his voice laden with pride. He was intent on highlighting his role in Yuvan's rise, portraying himself as a guiding force behind the unexpected shift in the rankings.

"It was under my tutelage that a C grade talent was able to beat someone two grades above him," he boasted to the class, reinforcing his influence on Yuvan's achievements. "It was all because of me that someone ranked above a thousand in the standings was able to defeat the fourth-ranked student." This boastful narrative served to inflate Darryl's reputation further.

Darryl shifted the focus to Yuvan's upcoming privileges, revealing, "Now our Ethan will receive daily what a fourth ranker would, a mana crystal," which was equivalent to a hundred mana stones. The announcement garnered the attention of the students, eliciting envy and awe at Yuvan's newfound advantages.

Understanding the unspoken thoughts of the students, Darryl continued, "You may not be as strong as Ethan and challenge a higher ranker, but you have another way to earn privileges. Score well in the hunting event and raise your rank; you will receive achievement points based on your performance. These points can be used to purchase pills, mana crystals, tantras, and even artefacts—anything you want."

Darryl's words carried a hint of encouragement, offering an alternative route to success for those who might not possess the same remarkable talents as Yuvan. The promise of rewards fuelled a renewed sense of determination among the students.

The day progressed with classes coming to an end after Darryl had imparted some fundamental knowledge about the bhūmipada (earth path). Following the class, Yuvan immersed himself in closed cultivation, a practice essential for honing his skills and improving his talents. As he prepared to enter this intense state of training, Irene approached him, carrying a bag brimming with mana stones she had gathered over the past few days. Her gesture was an indication of her growing fondness for Yuvan, but he remained indifferent, focused solely on his cultivation. The allure of strength had the tendency to draw attention, irrespective of one's peculiarities.

Meanwhile, Toby's classes also concluded, and he was eager to catch up with Yuvan. The fascination and respect he felt toward Yuvan's accomplishments were genuine, and he saw in him a potential master who could help him achieve his own aspirations. Yuvan's direct and fearless approach resonated with Toby's desire to unlock his full potential. He hoped to engage in a meaningful conversation with Yuvan, particularly since he was one of the applicants for the upcoming soul-refining session. Unfortunately, Toby's timing was off, and by the time he reached Yuvan's class, Yuvan had already departed.

Disheartened by the missed opportunity, Toby's disappointment was palpable. Determined to make the most of the situation, he decided to attend the scheduled soul refining session, hoping to glean valuable insights.

Inside the closed cultivation room,

Within the confines of the closed cultivation room, Yuvan's intense focus was evident as he meticulously drew two concentric circles on the floor using his own blood. The circles were intricate and purposeful, each line a careful stroke of intent. Inside the outer circle, he recreated a complex pattern, one that was distinctly reminiscent of the instructions outlined in the Ārōhī vidhi, the method for improving one's talent grade and technique through soul refining.

But Yuvan's preparations were far from over. With unwavering determination, he etched another circular formation on his own body, using his navel as the central point. This time, he wrote a series of verses in a circular fashion, inscribing them as part of the formation. The verses, "व्हो क्नोव्स थे देअथ्लेस्स् नातुरे ओफ़् थे षेल्फ़् इस नोत अफ़्रैद् ओफ़् देअथ्", formed a circular mantra that held a deeper meaning and purpose.

As the meticulous preparations came to a close, Yuvan positioned himself within the inner circle, aligning his navel with the central point. With careful deliberation, he placed a dark beetle-shaped stone at the very heart of the formation. This stone, acquired from Lucas, held a crucial role in the process he was about to undertake.

With a surge of mana flowing through him, Yuvan activated the formation he had created. The mana infused with the blood patterns and verses, ignited a pulsating energy within the room. The atmosphere seemed to shift, and a sense of anticipation filled the air as Yuvan embarked on a journey that held the potential to transform his very being.

The formation hummed with energy, setting off an intense display of burning red light that radiated from the outer circle to the innermost point. The cursed stone at the centre cracked, releasing a torrent of fierce black flames that engulfed Yuvan's form, cocooning the flames around the potent energy and channelling it directly toward his core.

As Yuvan began meditating, he honed his concentration to absorb the incoming energy. Gradually, the serpent within him expanded, its essence intertwined with the black flames, resulting in a subtle tainting of the once-pure bright light. The process unfolded more smoothly than Yuvan had anticipated, and he managed to absorb the entirety of the cursed energy. His internal energy, shaped like a coiled snake, responded with a throbbing motion before settling into its new-found state.

However, this newfound success took an unexpected turn. As Yuvan's awareness snapped into focus, he found himself in an unsettling and grim environment. The air was heavy with a pungent blend of blood and decay, assaulting his senses and instantly putting him on edge. Disoriented and alarmed, he questioned his surroundings. Had he been discovered at the academy? Was this some form of punishment or retribution?

To his relief, he realized that he was unchained and unconstrained. This unexpected freedom allowed him to assess his surroundings more thoroughly. The scant illumination revealed a figure before him – a man suspended on a wall. Yuvan's heart pounded as he took in the scene. The man was completely naked, his body etched with engravings and marks that covered every inch of his skin.

However, what truly horrified Yuvan was the man's lack of eyes. The sockets where they should have been were now covered in thick, dark scabs, as if they had been forcibly removed. The man's form was skeletal, with little flesh remaining on his bones. It was as if some malevolent force had drained him of his vitality, leaving behind a mere husk of a person.

Yuvan's mind raced, trying to make sense of the grotesque sight before him. Was this some form of punishment, a twisted experiment, or a hallucination? The man's laboured breathing indicated that he was still clinging to life, albeit barely. Yuvan's instincts told him to help, to offer aid, but the circumstances were so bizarre and unsettling that he found himself momentarily paralyzed by a mixture of fear and revulsion.

Questions spiralled within Yuvan's mind. Where was he? Who was this man, and what had been done to him? The room itself seemed to hold secrets – tools, equipment, and enigmatic markings on the walls hinted at dark practices. Yet, despite his confusion, Yuvan's initial assessment was that he was somehow caught in a laboratory where sinister experiments had taken place.

As Yuvan grappled with his circumstances, his ears caught the sound of approaching footsteps. Panic surged through him, but he swiftly decided to confront the situation head-on. His training kicked in, and he readied himself for action. When the door to the room swung open, revealing two figures, Yuvan acted quickly. He launched a double-action round kick, aiming to incapacitate both intruders simultaneously.

To his bewilderment, his well-executed kick passed through the figures without impact. It was as if they were mere illusions or spectres, insubstantial and unaffected by his physical attack. His confusion deepened – how could he see, hear, and even smell, yet his touch had no effect? The surreal experience left him disoriented and questioning the nature of his reality.

As Yuvan grappled with this perplexing phenomenon, he overheard a conversation between the newly arrived figures. A man in a flashy red robe, evidently the authority figure, engaged in a dialogue with another man who bore the appearance of a witch doctor. Their discussion revolved around a project, a rare rank artefact, and the use of a demonic tantra for creating a black flame artefact.

The Man sighed, his voice echoing through the dimly lit and slanted room, “You've expended ample resources on this project. I'm calling it off, regardless of its success."

"I understand, sir," responded the man resembling a witch doctor, his appearance made even more dramatic by low light. "Creating a rare rank artefact for you has proven more costly than anticipated. However, I am confident that this time, master, with this subject, I will undoubtedly succeed. He has endured all the procedures thus far, and only the final step remains." From his space ring, the man retrieved a black stone, his next words carrying an air of determination. "The demonic tantra for producing the black flame artefact is incomplete. The author did not provide guidance on choosing the subject. That's why, despite experimenting on numerous individuals, the desired outcome was not achieved." Placing the stone on the old man's chest, he injected it with his mana. The rock was absorbed.

The engravings etched onto the man's body began to emit a black burn, the lines shifting and swirling before converging upon the stone that was drawing out his life force. The old man struggled briefly, his energy draining rapidly. Moments before he was fully depleted, he turned his gaze toward Yuvan, his whisper hanging in the air like a plea, "AVENGE ME!" Then, he disintegrated into dust.

In an instant, Yuvan was back in reality, his body still at the centre of the formation, his skin damp with sweat. Despite the unsettling experience, he found solace in the result of the experiment. He sensed the surge of energy within him, realizing that at this pace, he could absorb one or two rare ranks before breaking through the first stage. He now comprehended the significance of performing "atma samshodhana" early on.

The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

As Yuvan lay there, he couldn't shake the memory of the old man's final words. "Did the old man believe I would annihilate an entire clan for a rare rank cursed artefact, especially a formidable entity like the Brandwache clan?" Yuvan had observed that the man in the flashy robe bore the Brandwache clan's symbol on a ring, similar to the one Lucas wore. Half-jokingly, Yuvan had quipped about Killing Lucas, but a sudden inner response caught him off guard.

Startled, he sat up abruptly. "What in the world!" Yuvan wondered aloud, his thoughts racing. "Could the cursed energy possess its own intentions? And must I avenge him to fully claim its power, give him Mukti and all that?"

Hmm... It seems it will be satisfied by seeing the death of the heir of the Brandwache clan. I wonder if I had consumed a legendary ranked artefact, whom I would have to kill; to satisfy the vengeful spirit?

Yuvan mulled over the thought of Lucas. "Given his temperament, provoking and eliminating him shouldn't pose much of a challenge. I won't even need an elaborate plan; he's likely to seek revenge on his own, which would provide me with the perfect opportunity. The only obstacle is that vigilant overseer, safeguarding the academy's prized A-grade talent. He can sense my murderous intent before I even make a move, potentially thwarting my assassination attempt. If only the academy allowed deathmatches, it would make things significantly easier, but alas, such brutality isn't in line with their values."

"I'm confident that Lucas, accompanied by his lackeys, will come after me during the upcoming hunting event. They'll assume they hold the advantage of ambushing a lone vyūhapada (formation path) cultivator. Hmmm... If Lucas were alone, dealing with him wouldn't be a major issue, but the presence of his lackeys complicates matters. As more students advance into the middle stages and acquire various tantras from different paths, managing the situation will become trickier. They'll barrage me with their newfound skills. Moreover, Lucas might attempt to sway the other A-grade talents to his side. I can't dismiss that possibility, given my history as a thorn in their collective side. The academy might even turn a blind eye, adding to the chaos. Yet, chaos could serve as my ladder to reach Lucas' head."

Yuvan's mind was working at full tilt. "I need to make strategic use of Toby; he's a valuable asset for gathering information."

Inside Henry's room, a fervent discussion was underway. The room was filled with A-grade students and some of the top B-graders.

"Face the reality, Henry! You're no longer the top dog. Fear of us, the top rankers, has dissipated. They're looking down on us now," Lucas exclaimed, his voice laced with anger. His body trembled with the intensity of his emotions. He appeared pale and feeble, his eyes bloodshot, and one arm was bandaged. Bruises still marred his face, and the injuries gave him a hunched appearance.

"If you hadn't pulled us down with you," Henry retorted sharply.

"Why didn't you salvage our reputation then? You could have challenged him to a duel and reclaimed our honour," Lucas snapped back, his patience waning.

"What about you, Prathap? Weren't you planning to undergo soul refining?" Lucas questioned.

"I had a change of heart," Prathap admitted with a sheepish tone.

Lucas could sense that he had captured everyone's attention. "That's my point. Ethan, that anomaly, has successfully refined his soul, a feat even some of our instructors dread. He's disrupting the natural order and emboldening the weaker ones to challenge us. The longer we wait, the stronger that abnormality becomes. We can't just let him be. How can we, as high-grade talents, allow someone of his calibre to surpass us? We must deal with him."

"Why resort to such extreme measures? The difference in talent will become evident as we reach the first stage," Serena Briggs interjected.

"Women!" Lucas thought to himself, shaking his head. He pressed on, "Do you expect us to wait? What difference in talent are you referring to? He's already using that as ammunition against us. Do you suggest we swallow our pride and endure this humiliation, hoping he'll slow down after reaching the first stage?"

Seeing that his argument was swaying the majority, Lucas proceeded to outline his plan bluntly. "We'll eliminate him during the upcoming hunt. With our combined strength, it will be a swift end. And don't worry, the academy will turn a blind eye; he's a thorn in their side as well." Lucas persisted in his persuasion, and driven by their desire to nip the issue in the bud, they eventually agreed—except for Serena.

"I won't be partaking in this; it contradicts the principles of my clan," Serena declared abruptly before leaving.

"We don't need her. I extended the invitation out of courtesy due to her status as a fellow top grader. She'll regret leaving our group," Lucas said, his gaze following Serena's departing figure, a sinister smile playing on his lips. "Yes, I'll make sure you regret it."

Yuvan returned to his room early in the morning after spending the night in the cultivation room, eager to meet with Toby. As he opened the door, he found Toby in the midst of preparing for class.

"I have a task for you," Yuvan stated, his gaze fixed on Toby. Pausing his activities, Toby shifted his full attention to Yuvan.

Appreciating Toby's new-found obedience, Yuvan continued, "I want to know what Lucas is plotting."

"Already on it," Toby responded promptly. "My sources informed me that the higher-ranked students convened a meeting in Henry's room. The main topic was you, master. They've devised a malevolent plan for the upcoming Hunt—to teach the lower-ranked students a lesson for looking down on them and for celebrating your victory over an A-grade. You need to be cautious."

"Excellent," Yuvan remarked, impressed by Toby's efficiency. He inquired, "How did you manage to gather this information so quickly?"

Toby's grin widened as Yuvan acknowledged his efforts. "Upon arriving at the academy, I immediately focused on making connections. I invested my hard-earned savings in building relationships. Now, I have friends throughout every faction, class, and grade. They all share information with me, and I provide them with the information they seek."

"What do you think about the idea of me forming my own faction with the C grades?" Yuvan questioned.

"That's a solid idea, master. The lower-ranked students admire you, and some of the lower B graders even look up to you. Many will likely be eager to join your faction," Toby replied.

"Very well, then. Spread the word. Inform them that I'll ensure their protection from bullying by Lucas and other higher grades. Let them know that I'm aiming for the topmost rank, and my victory will symbolize a triumph for all the lower-ranked talents who have suffered at the hands of the upper grades, instructors, and even the academy. Emphasize that I require their support to achieve this goal. They might hesitate initially to contribute resources, so convince them that every resource I gather from them is for their benefit—to counteract their feelings of inferiority. Describe the high graders as waiting for me to lower my guard and slack off in cultivation, ready to attack both me and any lower grader. Share details about last night's meeting, perhaps with a slightly altered version of the facts."

"It's true, my lord. Your victory over Lucas has significantly reduced the bullying. However, after last night's meeting, it seems likely they'll intensify their targeting of lower-ranked students. It might be prudent to wait for them to attack some students before announcing the formation of our faction. Riding on the momentum of this anti-hierarchical sentiment, more students will undoubtedly flock to our cause. By that time, they'll fully understand the implications of joining your faction," Toby advised.

"Very good. I was considering making you my vice-captain, but I realize that could compromise your information network. Instead, approached Irene, the girl from my class, to be my vice-captain. Share the details with her and guide her from behind the scenes. I believe she would gladly accept. Also, keep a lookout for a unique-ranked cursed artefact; cost is not an issue. Toby, stay vigilant."

"Understood, sir."

As anticipated by Toby, that evening witnessed a meticulously orchestrated assault aimed at the lower-ranked students. Capitalizing on this situation, Irene seized the moment and declared the establishment of Yuvan's faction to the disgruntled students. She portrayed Yuvan as a protector, a beacon of hope against the high-ranking oppressors. The students eagerly rallied behind the new faction, seeking retribution for their mistreatment.

In an effort to strengthen his faction further, Yuvan issued a direct challenge to Rana Prathap, the third seed who had been leading the attack against the lower graders. This proclamation ignited intense emotions among the lower-ranked students. They now had undeniable proof that their saviour was standing up for them, prompting an influx of resources into Yuvan's faction.

Although initially hesitant, Prathap found himself with little choice and ultimately agreed to the duel. With Rana supported by the higher-ranked students and Yuvan supported by the united lower factions, the conflict rapidly escalated into a class-wide showdown.

The A-grade students and other high-ranking individuals united to devise a battle strategy against Yuvan.

Henry initiated the discussion, explaining, "Given that most of us are in the middle stages of cultivation, our control over internal energy isn't as refined. It takes a few moments to channel our energy and execute a tantra. However, Ethan possesses a skill with his shurikens that can disrupt our efforts. If we remain stationary, he could employ a formation to ensnare us, similar to what happened with Lucas. Had Lucas remained composed, he could have broken free from the bind. Now, I've heard that Ethan has been rewarded with a rare-grade formation tantra."

He continued, "Ethan is formidable in martial arts. Even if you manage to dodge his shurikens and escape his formation, he can swiftly close the distance and engage you in close combat."

Rana, his frustration evident, retorted, "So you're essentially telling me that there's no way for me to win. Did you come here to crush my morale and spit on it?"

Henry responded, shaking his head, "Legends advise that understanding your adversary is key to victory. Ethan is no ordinary opponent; he excels in nearly everything except natural talent. That's our opportunity. He possesses the lowest internal energy among the three grades. The longer the duel persists, the quicker his reservoir depletes. This is why he's cultivating the less popular vyūhapada, the formation path, to conserve his mana."

Rana inquired, "What's your suggestion, then?"

"A defensive approach!" Henry proposed.

"You want me to turtle up against a C-grade talent, potentially tarnishing my reputation and my clan's honour in front of the entire academy?" Rana challenged, expressing his annoyance and tacitly agreeing with Henry.

Henry tried to persuade Rana, stating, "Not as much as it would if he defeats you. Consider the bigger picture. Temporarily set aside your pride for the victory that will follow. As an earth path cultivator, defensive tactics should align well with your strengths at this stage. And as Serena had said last night it is till we reach the first chakra. Beyond that, our strength alone will suffice, eliminating the need for such unseemly tactics. Endure it for now; we'll repay him during the hunt."

With convincing input from everyone, except Lucas, Rana found himself alone in opposing the defensive strategy, while Lucas reluctantly consented to the plan.

As the sun began to set on the following evening, a growing crowd gathered in the expansive combat arena, drawn by the electric anticipation that hung in the air. Among the attendees were even some second-year students, lured by the rumours and excitement that had spread about the upcoming event. The assembly divided itself into two distinct groups, with the top-tier students composing the outnumbered minority.

At the heart of the arena's spotlight stood Yuvan, his presence a beacon of hope for the underdogs. He was encircled by his fellow low-ranking peers, their camaraderie evident in their resolute expressions. On the other side of the arena, Rana Prathap made his entrance, an imposing figure donned in an ensemble of heavy armour. This unexpected choice of attire raised eyebrows among the audience, sparking murmurs of curiosity and surprise.

As Rana took his place, the spectators lining Yuvan's corner of the arena erupted in a chorus of boos and jeers. The outpouring of disdain was palpable, causing a flush of embarrassment to creep over Rana and the high-ranking students aligned with him. They exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of the crowd's disapproval evident in their posture.

Just as in their previous encounter, an arbiter stepped forward, their authoritative voice cutting through the buzz of conversation. They meticulously outlined the rules and regulations that would govern the impending clash and then, with a single signal, initiated the duel.

The arena fell into a tense silence, broken only by the shuffling of feet and the collective intake of breath. All eyes were fixed upon the two adversaries, poised at opposite ends of the arena, as the battle of wills commenced.

Observing Rana's heavily armoured state, most had guessed his intended strategy—including Yuvan. The moment the arbiter signalled the beginning of the duel, a surge of electricity coursed through the air. Yuvan wasted no time; his first move was swift and decisive. With a flick of his wrist, a shuriken soared through the air, its glinting blade carving a sharp arc. Unlike the previous confrontation with Lucas, Rana refused to remain stationary. He was a blur of motion, every muscle working to evade the incoming projectiles.

Yuvan's strategy was clear – exploit the chinks in Rana's armour. His shuriken was aimed with precision at the only vulnerable point: Rana's eyes. And in that crucial fraction of a second, Rana's instinctual blink betrayed him, confirming the accuracy of Yuvan's strike.

"Behind you!" The urgent cry from Henry cut through the charged atmosphere like a lightning bolt, but Rana's reaction was a heartbeat too late. In the blink of an eye, Yuvan had vanished from his line of sight.

The unfolding spectacle was a dance of skill and strategy, a clash between offence and defence. Rana's armour, a formidable defence, hampered his movements, rendering them slower and less fluid. But it was the nature of the fight that truly set it apart. Yuvan didn't stay within Rana's line of sight; he was a wisp of shadow, appearing and disappearing, striking and evading. It was a symphony of motion and tension, the arena holding its collective breath as each manner unfolded.

A shuriken arced toward the only opening in Rana's armour, aiming for his eyes. The armoured warrior reacted instinctively, dodging and weaving, his movements restricted but not entirely nullified by his protective shell. The crowd followed each motion with bated breath, the tension escalating with every passing moment.

In an instant that seemed to stretch into eternity, Rana's eyes met Yuvan's, and the world seemed to shift. Yuvan was suddenly nowhere to be seen. Panic flared in Rana's chest as he pivoted, searching for his elusive opponent. But before he could react, a sharp impact struck beneath his helmet, knocking it askew. His head was left exposed, his face vulnerable.

Reacting with the swiftness of a cornered animal, Rana invoked his bhūmipada defensive tantra, his skin rippling and hardening to an earthy texture. His defence was formidable, a shield of hardened skin that absorbed and repelled blows. Yuvan's kunai struck the hardened surface, its blade skidding harmlessly off Rana's skin.

Yet Yuvan's assault did not waver. He was a whirlwind of motion, a phantom weaving through Rana's attacks. His goal remained the same – to find a crack in the armour, a weakness to exploit. But Rana was unyielding, his bhūmipada defence proving a formidable obstacle.

Time seemed to hang suspended as the duel raged on, each clash of metal and evasion echoing through the arena. Yuvan's determination was unrelenting, his every movement calculated and deliberate. And then, in a moment that seemed to defy the boundaries of time, an opening appeared. A wide swing from Rana, a glimmer of desperation, and Yuvan seized the opportunity.

With a speed that defied the eye, Yuvan slipped behind Rana, his kunai poised with lethal intent and concentrated mana at its tip. He struck, aiming for Rana's carotid artery, a calculated blow that could tip the scales of the fight. Rana's defences faltered for the briefest of moments, his hardened skin yielding slightly to the blade's pressure. Blood blossomed, the wound evidence of Yuvan's success.

Rana crumpled, his body collapsing like a marionette with its strings cut. Yuvan, too, sank to his knees, his breath ragged and his façade of exhaustion carefully maintained. The audience erupted in a cacophony of cheers, Yuvan's corner of supporters rushing forward to lift him onto their shoulders. Meanwhile, the high-ranking students lowered their heads in shame.

Yuvan entered his room, the hour growing late, to find Toby patiently awaiting his return. Without wasting any time, Toby addressed the matter they had discussed.

"I believe I've found what you were looking for," Toby began, a hint of uncertainty tingeing his words.

Yuvan's interest was piqued. "Information about a unique ranked artefact?"

Toby hesitated momentarily before admitting, "No!"

Yuvan's frown deepened slightly. "I'm only interested in a unique ranked artefact or above. Other ranks won't suffice."

Toby quickly explained, "It's an epic ranked artefact, but the catch is that it's not for sale. The owner values it more than any wealth."

"Then what does she want in exchange for it?" Yuvan inquired, intrigued.

"She wants a life," Toby responded gravely.

"A life?" Yuvan echoed, his curiosity growing.

Toby nodded, his expression sombre. "Lucas' life, to be precise."

Yuvan's eyes widened in surprise. "Lucas? Our Lucas?"

Toby affirmed Yuvan's assumption, and then began to recount the tragic tale, but Yuvan promptly interrupted. "I don't need to hear a sob story. Tell her to bring the artefact and meet me tomorrow."

Additionally, Yuvan instructed Toby to prepare a blood bond, a clear indication of his resolve.

Toby, though understanding Yuvan's intentions, voiced his concern. "Are you certain about this? Lucas is an A grade talent, heir to a powerful force, and has the backing of other high-ranking students. There could be severe repercussions."

Yuvan's response was unwavering. "I'll face whatever consequences arise."

With that, the conversation concluded, leaving the room steeped in a heavy sense of purpose and determination.

With the upcoming hunt drawing near, Yuvan's desire to explore the jungle and understand its layout was met with resistance from the guards, who informed him that entry without permission was prohibited. Undeterred, Yuvan employed Toby to gather information on the jungle's topology, maps, previous hunting competitions, and general knowledge about the area. Yuvan was also keen on obtaining details about all the A graders, as well as other top B graders, and even the forest guards if possible. This included information on their chosen paths, practised tantras, preferred techniques, and even personal characteristics such as dominant hand, likes, dislikes, phobias, weaknesses, and insecurities.

Yuvan spared no expense in gathering this information, even causing Toby, who thrived on collecting data, to express concern over Yuvan's lavish spending. Yuvan's financial resources had grown substantially, making him one of the wealthiest students on campus, even surpassing the likes of Henry in terms of mana crystals and other resources. Over the span of two days, Yuvan dedicated himself to studying his opponents and meticulously preparing for the impending ambush.

Through his research on previous hunting competitions, Yuvan unearthed a disturbing fact: although the occurrence of student deaths was relatively low, it was not uncommon. Some met their demise at the hands of the jungle's wild creatures and plants, while others fell victim to fellow students. The hunt seemed to provide an opportunity for personal vendettas, and even though the academy discouraged direct targeting of students who had already surrendered their tokens, it often turned a blind eye to such acts.

Inside the headquarters of the Naga clan,

"Clan leader, we've received communication from Geoffrey," reported one of the elders.

The announcement garnered scepticism among the elders. "Why would that Jackal try to contact us?" questioned one of them.

"He wishes to surrender," the messenger elaborated. "The hardships he's faced during his time on the run seem to have taken a toll on him."

The clan leader, still doubtful, inquired further. "And what does he want from us? He's already been cast out of the righteous faction, so there's little we can offer him. If he wants to perform Hara-kiri, we would surely give him the space; in exchange for his testimony."

"He desires to become an elder within our clan," the messenger replied.

"Absurd!" The reaction was unanimous among the elders. "What could possibly give him the audacity to ask for such a position?"

The messenger then read aloud Jackal's statement, attempting to justify his request.

In his message, Jackal claimed to have amassed evidence against his former clan, the Celestial Hawks, over the course of several months. He cast doubt on the legitimacy of the person assumed to be young master Ethan at the academy, suggesting that the real Ethan might have perished in the attack and that the current one might be a plant by the Celestial Hawks.

The shocking revelation initially met with disbelief among the elders. However, as the implications sank in, they began to consider the possibility that Jackal's claims might hold some truth.

Jackal's message continued, stating that the Celestial Hawks' reputation was already tarnished, and their commander had been branded a traitor and expelled from the clan. He proposed that this situation created a favourable opportunity for the Naga clan to take action.

The clan leader recognized the strategic potential of this information. "If his claims are true, this could be the chance we've been waiting for. But we must verify the information thoroughly before making any decisions."

"Did he provide a means of contact?" the clan leader inquired.

"He mentioned that he would reach out to us one day prior to the planned meeting. He advised us to have our army prepared as a precaution, in case his identity gets exposed prematurely."

"Interesting," mused the clan leader. "Have you attempted to trace the source of the communication?"

"Yes, clan leader. But the message seems to have originated from multiple locations, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact source."

The clan leader nodded thoughtfully. "Jackal's caution has been his strength, allowing him to elude capture thus far."