The next day, the central square of Donyi Peak buzzed with excitement. Elder Sonam Zangmo had called all the disciples to announce the participants for the eagerly awaited annual competition between the Solstice and Lunar Sects. The square was packed, the crowd murmuring with anticipation, and the energy was electric.

Among the crowd stood Arav, Dhiran, and Buddhi, freshly returned from their mission. They had barely rested before being swept up in the excitement. Arav stood quietly, observing, while Dhiran fidgeted nervously and Buddhi craned his neck to spot Elder Zangmo.

Then Arav saw her: Kimi Yachang.

She stood near the front, her golden eyes calm and focused. Her posture was impeccable, her presence commanding. She hadn’t changed since Arav last saw her—a year ago, when she had decisively defeated him in a duel. Despite her victory, she had shown kindness, healing his injuries and offering encouragement.

As if sensing his gaze, Kimi turned, her eyes locking onto his. Without hesitation, she walked toward him, her movements as precise as her swordsmanship.

“Arav Srivastava,” she said, her voice steady, carrying authority and sincerity. “It has been some time.”

Arav straightened, nodding. “Kimi Yachang. It has.”

She studied him, her golden eyes seeming to pierce through him. “You’ve grown stronger.”

“I’ve been training,” Arav replied humbly. “I couldn’t afford not to.”

Kimi inclined her head slightly, acknowledging him. “Good. Strength isn’t just power but understanding. I hope you’ve begun to grasp that.”

“I’m trying,” he said earnestly.

Dhiran, beside him, seemed to shrink slightly under Kimi’s gaze. Her presence was almost overwhelming.

Buddhi, on the other hand, was starstruck. “Lady Kimi!” he blurted, filled with admiration. “It’s an honor to meet you again! Your mastery of the Blade Dance technique is unparalleled!”

Kimi’s gaze shifted to Buddhi, her expression unchanged. “You’re one of Arav’s companions?”

“Y-Yes!” Buddhi stammered, excitement lighting up his face.

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Kimi returned her attention to Arav. “Your friends are loyal,” she remarked.

“They are,” Arav said with a small smile. “I’m lucky to have them.”

Buddhi beamed, while Dhiran cleared his throat awkwardly. “Uh, Lady Kimi,” Dhiran began hesitantly, “it’s an honor to be in your presence.”

Kimi nodded politely but remained focused on Arav. “Will you participate in the competition?”

“I don’t know yet,” Arav admitted. “The council will decide. But if I’m chosen, I’ll give it my all.”

“You should,” Kimi said firmly. “The competition is a matter of pride and honor for our sect. Treat it as such.”

“I will,” Arav promised.

Kimi regarded him, then nodded. “Good. I expect to see your progress.” She turned to leave but paused. “And Arav?”

“Yes?”

“Don’t let failure stop you. Let it guide you.”

Her words lingered as she walked away, her poise leaving a lasting impression.

“Wow,” Buddhi breathed, full of admiration. “She’s incredible.”

“She’s intense,” Dhiran muttered, respect in his voice.

Arav said nothing, replaying Kimi’s words in his mind.

The crowd hushed as Elder Zangmo ascended the platform, commanding silence. Her sharp gaze swept over the disciples, and when she spoke, her voice carried effortlessly.

“Disciples of Donyi Peak,” she began, “the time has come to announce the participants for the annual competition between the Solstice and Lunar Sects. This is not merely a contest; it is a test of our sect’s honor and strength.”

She paused, letting her words sink in. “The council has deliberated carefully. The selection was not made lightly, nor was it influenced by status or lineage. We have chosen based on potential, dedication, and ability. Fifteen disciples will represent us in each realm: the Adept Realm and the Spirit Realm.”

The crowd murmured as Elder Zangmo announced the names for the Adept Realm:

Kimi Yachang

Taba Tani

Bula Choudary

Dona Kuriakose

Pema Sanyukta

Zoramthanga

Kiren Rijiju

Pema Khandu

Buddhi Yadav

Joram D. Gambo

Tsering Wangdu

Lobsang Tashi

Sonam Dorjee

Nyima Palden

When Buddhi’s name was called, he let out a triumphant cheer. “I made it!”

“Congrats,” Dhiran said, clapping him on the back.

Finally, Elder Zangmo’s gaze swept over the crowd before she announced the final name: “And the last participant for the Adept Realm… Arav Srivastava.”

A hush fell over the square, followed by a ripple of murmurs. Many were surprised; some whispered doubts. Arav stood frozen for a moment, his heart pounding.

Dhiran grinned and nudged him. “You did it!”

Buddhi was practically bouncing. “We’re both in, Arav! This is amazing!”

Arav nodded slowly, determination replacing his initial shock.

Kimi, who had been watching, stepped forward as the crowd began to disperse. “Congratulations,” she said simply.

“Thank you,” Arav replied. “I’ll do my best to represent the sect.”

“You’d better,” Kimi said, serious as ever. “Failure is not an option.”

“I won’t fail,” Arav promised.

Kimi studied him, then nodded. “Good. I’ll see you in the training grounds.”

As she walked away, Buddhi sighed dreamily. “She’s amazing.”

Dhiran rolled his eyes. “Focus, Buddhi. We’ve got work to do.”

Arav glanced at his friends, a small smile on his lips.