Rishi woke up early and started his training. He practiced his new skills so he could get used to them. The 'Chains of Reaper' was a skill that could be used in multiple scenarios.
He liked this skill a lot, and he also did some research online about chain-type skills. This inspired him and gave him many ideas for using this skill more effectively.
He used his skill, and two purple magic circles appeared behind him, from which two black chains came. He used these chains to perform many things before sitting down in a lotus position with a straight back. He closed his eyes and started meditating; he used his spiritual energy to see with closed eyes.
He now started imagining these two chains as his own arms and started controlling them; he used them to move like snakes. They followed his every move. The special thing about these chains was that they had half his strength while their agility was double.
They were perfect for catching opponents that wanted to flee. Their fast speed also increased their utility. After his hard training, Rishi followed his usual routine and got ready for the academy.
Today, at the morning assembly that was about to be conducted, the winners of the recent competition would be rewarded. From what he had heard, the result of the interschool competition was also announced today.
Rishi was curious about who would be the topper. He and Kajal have both won one round. The written exam would be the final decider as to who had won.
He came at the perfect time today; most of the students were already standing in line for their class, but everything would change today. The first year, students would be divided into sections from A to F. Many friendships would break today, and he could already hear students comforting each other.
"Don't worry, Saku. I will still talk to you even if we get different sections," comforted a girl to the boy beside her.
"I trust you, Tanu; don't worry, even if I get into a lower section. I will catch up quickly; wait for me."
Rishi saw many students having similar conversations and didn't know what to say; he just kept a blind eye on them and went to join the line where he had been with Jay, Manu, and Lalit.
He just entered the line and stood between Lalit and Manu. He was just about to talk to them when Lalit said, "Bro, can you stand somewhere else? This place is for my friend, who will join us soon."
Rishi looked at him and smiled. Lalit looked at his handsome face and was confused; his face looked familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. He asked, "Manu, do you know this guy who is the second-most handsome guy here? His face looks familiar to me."
With the increase in his height, Rishi was the second tallest guy in the group; recognizing him was very hard now that he was even displaying a different presence.
When Rishi saw their confused faces, he laughed and said, "I am Rishab."
"It can't be. How did you change so much in such a short time?" asked Manu.
"I will explain everything to you guys later. It's not the right place for personal conversations," said Rishi.
They chatted for some more time when they suddenly heard the command, "Stand at ease." Everyone, including Rishi, followed her command and stood in the Stand at Ease position, waiting for the principal.
The principal appeared, followed by 'Head Boy, Sameer Tyagi. Rishi clenched his hands when he saw that bastard's face. 'Just enjoy your happy days, fool; soon I will crush you.' Even when he was enraged, no one noticed his presence; to outsiders, he looked normal.
Shreya waited for the principal to stand at his position, after which she commanded from the podium, "Attention," A sound of multiple legs hitting the ground in sync was heard. It was as if the students were army cadets; this was the discipline that had to be followed in the academy in front of the principal.
"Ready For Prayer," she said as the students joined their hands and started praying for the welfare of themselves, their nation, and all of humanity. After the prayer was finished, everyone opened their eyes, waiting for the next event.
After the prayer, it was time for the speech of the principal; The head girl said, "I would like everyone to pay attention. Principal Sir will now address the assembly."
The principal came to the podium and tapped the microphone twice with his fingers to check if it was working. He had short white hair and a white beard that resembled a French cut.
He first looked at the audience and said, "Good morning, students."
"Good morning, sir," everyone replied together.
"Today is a very important day; this is the time when we check if we are on the right track. We prepare a plan at the beginning of each academic year, and based on the results, we make further changes."
"I have received the report for the performance of this academic year. I will address the first-year, second-year, and final-year students separately."
First, to the final year students: you all have performed a little below our expectations, but in the inter-academy competitions and tournaments outside the academy, you have performed average. I can't believe you didn't get first place in even one."
A terrifying presence radiated from the principal; he didn't try to affect other students, but just looking at him, everyone felt goosebumps all over their bodies.
"I have received complaints about you instead of grouping up and destroying other Academy teams. You were fighting against each other, and I am warning you one last time. If you don't perform better, then be prepared to face consequences."
"This is your last year in the academy; you should give it your all so that you can enter a better Academy." The exams at the best academies are very hard, and their cutoff rate is also very high. It is not time to rest and enjoy your days in the academy; it is time to give your all."
"Am I clear?" he asked.
"Yes, sir," said every final-year student in unison; they even sighed in relief that they would not get punished.
"Now, for second-year students, The talent pool of your batch was a little higher than the final-year batch. We even provided you with better training, equipment, and resources."
He paused before continuing, "Why don't I see results? You have participated in many competitions and tournaments but only won one; the batch before you had won two. Can someone tell me what the reason behind your failure is?" The principal looked at the second-year students, who were shivering.