The morning after his breakthrough, Rudra stretched and yawned as sunlight filtered through the window. His body felt different—charged, light, and almost buzzing beneath the skin. For once, he didn't wake up groggy or sore. Everything responded like it was waiting for his command.
He stepped out of his room and into the kitchen, where the smell of spicy lentils greeted him.
"Someone's walking like he just found gold," Ishaan said without turning from the stove.
Rudra smirked. "Morning to you too."
Ishaan set two bowls on the table, finally glancing at him. His eyes narrowed slightly. "So, you broke through."
Rudra raised a brow. "You're just guessing?"
"You're practically glowing. Your footstep rhythm's tighter, your posture's straight, and you didn't yawn even once. I raised you, remember?"
Rudra chuckled as he sat. "Should've known I couldn't bluff you."
Ishaan took a seat, blowing on his stew. "Congrats. You've officially stepped onto the path. Now you're just one more overconfident brat among a million."
"Oh come on," Rudra said, grinning. "A little pride wouldn't kill you."
"I'll be proud when you survive a real fight without looking like someone beat you with a bookshelf."
"You're never gonna let me live that down, are you?"
"Nope."
They ate in peace for a while. Rudra took a bite and groaned. "You actually made this spicy. Are you trying to kill me?"
Ishaan shrugged. "You've survived worse. Besides, you'll need heat if you're training again."
Rudra grinned. "So you're admitting I'm training now."
"Don't get smug. One breakthrough doesn't make you invincible."
"Yet."
"See? That right there. That's what gets kids smacked by life."
They both laughed.
As Rudra finished his food, Ishaan leaned back.
"Still... I'm proud of you," he said casually, not looking him in the eye. "You didn't take the easy road. And you didn't give up. I noticed."
Rudra stood and slung his bag over his shoulder. "Don't get sentimental now. You'll ruin your tough-old-man image."
"Go already," Ishaan waved him off. "Before I start crying."
"Love you too," Rudra said, walking out the door with a smirk.
The gates of Adraksha Academy looked more familiar than ever—but Rudra walked through them with a different energy. The air felt clearer. His footsteps had rhythm. It wasn't something he forced; it was just there.
And of course, the one person waiting for him at the corner was already stretching like he'd run a mile.
"Rudraaaaa," Yavan called dramatically. "Our fallen hero rises from the ashes!"
"You're the one who told people I was dead, weren't you?" Rudra asked.
Yavan looked mock-offended. "Excuse me, I was merely preparing your tribute poem. 'Here lies Rudra, of unmatched nap-taking abilities—may he snore forevermore.'"
"Catchy."
"I thought so. Anyway, rumor has it you and Garek had a cute little fistfight yesterday."
"Cute? He tried to snap me in half."
"Sounds like flirting to me. Did you exchange gifts after?"
Rudra gave him a shove. "Remind me why I missed you?"
"Because I'm delightful."
They walked toward the main lecture hall.
"Okay, seriously though," Yavan said, his voice only slightly more sincere. "You feeling alright? You look... different."
"Better. Stronger. Clearer."
"You've either broken through, or you've started eating vegetables."
"Can't it be both?"
Yavan gasped. "Don't joke like that."
Lecture Hall – Principles of the Path
Instructor Devyani strode in like a storm contained by silk, her red-gold robes flowing behind her.
"Today," she announced, "we continue with Pulse Awakening theory. But for those of you still fumbling through Level One, I suggest you at least try not to fall asleep today."
She glanced at Rudra, who offered a cheeky smile.
After the lecture ended and the class began shuffling toward the practice fields, Rudra quietly slipped away.
He knocked on the door to Devyani's tower. She didn't even look up from her scrolls.
"You again?"
"I come bearing news," Rudra said.
"You skipped practical for this?"
"Hey, some things are worth it."
She sighed. "Alright. What's so urgent?"
"I broke through."
She finally looked up, one brow raised. "You what?"
"Level One. Last night."
She stood, crossed the room, and eyed him carefully. Her gaze swept his stance, posture, breathing.
she muttered. "Hmm... breath's clean. Flow's smooth. Aura's faintly active... damn. You actually did it."
"Told you."
"How?"
Rudra shrugged. "Natural talent. Clear conscience. Good genetics. Trauma. You know, the usual mix."
"You're not funny."
"I'm a little funny."
Devyani folded her arms. "So what now? You here to brag?"
"Tempting, but no. I want to know more about Level One. I can feel something changing, but I don't get it yet."
She walked over to a shelf and pulled down a scroll.
"Prāṇa Initiation isn't a moment—it's a climb. You've just entered the first substage: Whispering Breath."
"Catchy."
. "Prāṇa Initiation isn't one step. It's seven. Each one refines your body and awareness."
She pointed at the stages as she listed them:
1. Whispering Breath – the first touch of Prāṇa; senses sharpen, body begins to listen.
2. Flickering Flame – internal energy stirs, weakly but constantly.
3. Still Waters – breath and Prāṇa balance into a steady rhythm.
4. Rising Vein – energy begins moving through core meridians.
5. Lotus Pulse – full-body flow aligns with emotional clarity.
6. Echoed Will – intent and Prāṇa begin syncing in combat.
7. First Flame – all systems aligned; next step is Pulse Awakening.
"You're at the first sublevel. Your body now hears energy. Reactions are faster, your balance is tighter, and you'll notice quicker recovery after stress. But don't get comfortable—progress requires focus."
Rudra nodded. "And the second reason I came?"
"I'm guessing something about promotion?"
"I want into the Inner Academy."
She studied him a moment, then gave a small smile.
"It was only a matter of time anyway. You broke through earlier than expected. I'll talk to the Vice Principal."
Rudra gave a slight bow. "Appreciate it."