The journey back to the Gurukul was quiet.
Too quiet.
Even Kunal—normally incapable of silence—walked thoughtfully, occasionally glancing at Nandi as though unsure whether the guardian would vanish if he looked away too long.
"So," Kunal said eventually, "just to be clear… my best friend is now on a divine scavenger hunt, accompanied by a holy bull, tasked with rebuilding a god's weapon?"
Aarav nodded.
Kunal sighed. "Figures."
Nandi snorted. "You will live longer if you accept absurdity early."
THE SHIFTING WORLD
As they neared the Gurukul, Aarav felt it again.
That pressure.
But this time, it wasn't focused inward.
It was everywhere.
The air buzzed with spiritual disturbance—like a thousand unseen conversations overlapping. The academy gates stood open, glowing faintly with runes of summoning.
"Something's happening," Kunal muttered.
Nandi's ears twitched.
"Not something," he said. "Many things."
ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONFLICT
The courtyard was crowded.
Far more than usual.
Students stood in clusters, instructors whispered urgently, and the central platform glowed with active formations.
Professor Mādhav stood at the center.
Calm.
Smiling.
Dangerously pleased.
"You've returned at the right time," Mādhav said as Aarav approached. His gaze flicked briefly to Nandi—and lingered for a fraction of a second too long.
Aarav felt a subtle acknowledgment pass between guardian and teacher.
"The Adhikāra Saṅgharṣa (Competition of Claims) has been declared," Mādhav continued.
"Declared?" Kunal echoed. "Like… officially?"
Mādhav nodded.
"This year, it will not be limited to one Gurukul."
The murmurs grew louder.
"Multiple academies have been summoned," Mādhav said.
"Five Gurukuls. Five philosophies. One battlefield."
Aarav's pulse quickened.
"And the prize?" someone asked.
Mādhav's smile deepened.
"Access," he said simply.
"To ancient territories. Sealed knowledge. Forgotten paths."
Nandi leaned close to Aarav.
"They dangle relics," he whispered. "The fragments will draw predators."
Aarav's fingers curled.
"I won't hide," he said.
Nandi nodded. "Nor should you."
A SHADOW PASSES
As the sun dipped lower, a chill swept across the courtyard.
A ripple—brief but sharp—cut through the ambient energy.
Aarav turned.
For a moment, he thought he saw a fracture in the air itself.
Something watching.
Then it was gone.
Nandi stiffened.
"The Asura scent grows stronger," he said quietly. "One walks among students."
Aarav's eyes hardened.
"So it begins."