Chapter 12:- School day 1
Part 1
The morning sun streamed brightly through the large windows of the lecture hall, illuminating the settled dust motes dancing in the air. The room buzzed with the low murmur of first-day nervousness and excitement.
Professor Vyom Gulati, a man in his late 30s with an approachable demeanor, stood confidently at the front podium. He wore a crisp, light-blue button-down shirt and a subtle, genuinely cheerful smile that immediately put most students at ease.
"Hello, good morning, students! I'm your teacher for Sociology of the World (SOW). Since that's a bit of a mouthful, you can simply call it Sociology," Professor Gulati announced, his voice carrying a pleasant, resonant warmth. "I am Vyom Gulati, and I genuinely hope you all find today's first lecture both enjoyable and insightful."
Just as Professor Gulati paused, ready to begin, the large wooden door at the back of the hall creaked open. Sion, appearing flustered but earnest, was the first to step inside, followed closely by Shekhar, Rudra, and Sidhant. Their hurried footsteps echoed slightly on the polished floor.
Sion: "May I come in, sir? We are terribly sorry that we are late."
Shekhar, Rudra, and Sidhant simultaneously offered their apologies, their faces marked by a mix of genuine regret and a slight lack of breath. They stood near the entrance, awaiting their fate.
Professor Gulati turned towards them, his expression one of calm and relaxed understanding, his gentle smile widening.
Vyom Sir: "Yes, of course, come in. Please. Take your seats." He gestured towards the empty row nearest the back. "Don't worry about it. It happens. I know it can be overwhelming for students who come to a new school for the first time-a little over-enthusiasm in exploring, perhaps?" He winked good-naturedly. "I've just finished my own introduction and was about to start the core lecture, so you can join in without any problem. You haven't missed a thing."
Rudra and everyone: "Thank you, sir," they murmured gratefully, quickly finding seats and settling down, trying their best to minimize any further disruption.
The Core Lecture: Social Education in a Global Context
Once the latecomers were seated and the class was settled, Professor Gulati started his lecture, adjusting the glasses perched lightly on his nose.
Vyom Sir: "So, students, to begin: Does anyone here know, in simple terms, what Social Education is?" He paused, scanning the room. Seeing no immediate hands, he continued smoothly. "No answer? That's perfectly fine. I will explain."
"Social education refers to the structured educational processes-both formal lessons in a classroom and informal learning through life-that aim to develop an individual's ability to live successfully, responsibly, and ethically within their immediate community and the wider society. Essentially, it focuses on transforming individuals into informed, responsible, and active citizens."
He tapped the podium lightly. "But here, in this class, we look at it through the lens of Sociology of the World (SOW). That means we are going to study the vast and complex tapestries of the whole world-its geography, its tumultuous history, its diverse cultures, and its current political landscape. We are zooming out to see the world as a whole system."
The Question of Global Relations
A moment of silence followed as the students scribbled notes. Then, a female student in the third row slowly raised her hand, her expression one of eager curiosity.
Priya: "Hello, good morning, sir. I'm Priya," she introduced herself politely. "I wanted to ask a question that relates to the political side you mentioned. How many countries are truly our friends or enemies? And, most importantly, how many sovereign countries actually exist right now, in the present day, after the major global conflicts that happened a thousand years ago?"
Professor Gulati nodded, acknowledging the depth of her question.
Vyom Sir: "That is a truly insightful question, Priya. However," he cautioned gently, "next time, please wait until I conclude the immediate point I am teaching. It helps maintain the flow for everyone." He smiled to soften the correction. "Well, to answer your query, this course's definitive textbook, Global Tapestry, is authored by a very credible source-our very own Principal, Vikram Singh."
"According to the latest geopolitical census and our official records, there are still seven continents as they have always been. In terms of recognized, sovereign countries or nations-however you prefer to call them-we currently have a total of 59."
He explained in detailed the diplomatic status:
1) "We have good, established, and active diplomatic relations with a total of 30 countries. These are our trading and alliance partners."
2) "Then, we have 25 countries with whom we have virtually no relations. This isn't due to hostility, but mainly because we have never successfully contacted them or, more accurately, they are highly secure and isolated. They are non-interfering nations who prefer to secure their borders and never interact with the global community."
3) "And finally, we unfortunately have a total of 4 countries firmly placed on our diplomatic 'Black List.' They are the ones we officially classify as our enemies."
"That is the current state of our global politics. Does that satisfy your question, Priya?"
Priya: "Yes, sir. Thank you very much, and I sincerely apologize again for intruding on your lecture."
End of SOW and the Arrival of Language Class
Professor Gulati smiled reassuringly and continued his SOW lecture, diving into the historical causes of global isolationism. The hour passed quickly, filled with complex data and engaging explanations.
"And with that, we conclude our first foray into the Sociology of the World," Professor Gulati finished precisely as the class bell chimed. "Your first assignment is detailed in the syllabus. I look forward to seeing you all next time."
As the students began gathering their notes, the door opened almost immediately, and a new teacher walked in-energetic, slightly hurried, and holding a thick, worn textbook.
Karti Sir: "Hii! I'm Karti, and I will be your Language Sir for this academic year! I know, I know, another lecture, but this one will be different. I will teach you all types of languages-some you've never heard of, some are considered ancient or dead, and some are specific to those isolated nations Professor Gulati just mentioned!"
Karti Sir slapped the textbook onto the desk. "But you have to focus on what we have in the required textbook first! Let's start with the basics of Global Linguistics..."
The second lecture began, followed by two more demanding sessions, covering Logic and Advanced Mathematics. Finally, the morning block of lectures ended, and the students were free to breathe.
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Part 2
The relief of the lunch bell was palpable. Sion, Rudra, Sidhant, and Shekhar had managed to secure a corner table in the busy, sunlit cafeteria. Sion leaned back, rubbing his temples dramatically.
Sion: "Damn, those lectures! My head is still spinning. Honestly, Professor Gulati's geopolitics section felt like watching a 4D chess match while trying to take notes, and Professor Aradhya's Maths lecture was the most difficult puzzle I've ever encountered. Continuous back-to-back pressure!"
Rudra: Rudra, surprisingly unaffected, shrugged lightly. "Don't be like that, Sion. It wasn't that bad. Just mentally stimulating."
Sidhant: He sighed, pushing his hair back. "It's easy for you, Rudra. You and Shekhar are the geniuses in this group. The rest of us are just trying to keep up."
Shekhar: Shekhar broke into their complaint session with a practical observation, his stomach loudly protesting the late hour. "Guys, I think we should actually order something. It's been twenty minutes since we sat down, and we haven't ordered anything yet. I'm starving right now."
Rudra: "Yeah, you're absolutely right. Practicality wins. Come on, Shekhar, let's go. We'll hit the counter."
Sion and Sidhant quickly detailed their food preferences and handed over their money.
As Rudra and Shekhar made their way through the bustling students toward the food counter, Shekhar nudged Rudra with a thoughtful expression.
Shekhar: "Hey Rudra, this is a genuine question. I always thought vampires only drank blood, yet you guys seem perfectly fine eating cafeteria food and walking around in the bright morning sun. What gives?"
Rudra glanced around before leaning in slightly, his tone lowering to a confidential whisper.
Rudra: "Well, that common notion is wrong, or rather, it only applies to the low-class vampires, like Class 1 and 2. I'm currently a Class 6 vampire. There are ten classes in total, and within those, seven different types in the complex vampire societal system."
Shekhar: "Ohhh, that's a whole lot of internal structure! And what type of vampire are you, specifically?"
Rudra's chest puffed out almost imperceptibly with quiet pride. "I am a Dusk Vampire. We are an extremely rare and ultra-legendary type, considered totally immortal. The genetics are highly demanding; perhaps only one in a thousand billion vampires can genetically evolve into a Dusk type."
He continued the explanation as they reached the counter. "This type genuinely can eat whatever they want, just like a normal human. However, blood is still our main source-it's what stops the true, deep hunger and allows us to grow stronger and maintain peak ability. I can walk easily in bright daylight or deep night. And here's the kicker: any organ you cut-my heart, my brain, or any body part-I can regenerate it easily. But..." his expression tightened briefly, "it really hurts. I can still feel intense pain, as I don't possess the ability of pain nullification."
Shekhar: "Ohhh, wow. That's... that's a lot of high-level info you are dropping on me right now.
Thanks for sharing, Rudra."
Just as they were about to place their order, a sudden, powerful force from behind slammed into Shekhar's shoulder. Luckily, Shekhar's natural balance and reflexes allowed him to absorb the force and quickly stabilize himself without falling, much to the surprise of nearby students.
When Shekhar turned around, his eyes widened in shock. The one who had bumped him was a towering figure in a school uniform, radiating a palpable, dark aura-a Demon. Standing placidly beside him was Hina, the princess.
Shekhar immediately tried to speak to Hina, concerned about overriding his annoyance. "Hina, are you okay? What's going on-"
The Demon cut him off with a sneering, proprietary tone.
Druv (The Demon): "Hey, you brat! Learn your place. This lady is this kingdom's Princess and the future Queen of our Lord, and I am her sworn servant, Druv." He puffed up his chest, challenging Shekhar with a cold stare.
Shekhar ignored the Demon entirely and focused his attention back on Hina, attempting to bridge the distance. But Hina's reaction was chilling. She completely ignored Shekhar, her gaze fixed straight ahead, an expressionless mask across her beautiful features. She walked past him without a word, not even a glance, following Druv who was now smirking triumphantly.
Shekhar and Rudra exchanged a swift, quiet glance. Shekhar noticed a tiny, almost imperceptible tremor in Hina's hand-a flicker of something controlled and forced. Rudra, too, had stayed sharp and quiet, noticing the tension in the Princess's shoulders. Shekhar decided not to push her or cause a scene, sensing a larger, more complicated situation at play. He let her go.
They bought their food and quickly returned to their table.
As they sat down, their remaining friends were immediately curious about the brief, tense exchange.
Sion: "Hey, brother! That was intense. Do you really know Princess Hina? What was that all about?"
Shekhar: He took a large bite of his sandwich, trying to look casual. "Well, yeah, a little bit. We're... just friends. A while back, I sort of saved her life from some dragons."
Silence descended over the table, quickly followed by utter disbelief.
Sidhant: He nearly choked on his drink. "What the hell?! Really? You fought a dragon?"
Shekhar: He chewed thoughtfully, trying to play it down. "Casually? Yeah. They were just baby dragons, though."
Sion: His voice rose in pitch. "Baby dragons?! You fought more than one?"
Shekhar: "Yeah, what's the big deal? They were only two babies. I was nearly killed that day, but luckily I survived and managed to... take care of them."
Rudra: Rudra stared at Shekhar, his Dusk Vampire pride momentarily humbled. "Man, you are really something else. We are only six years old, and you killed two baby dragons? That feat is genuinely hard for even a Class 5 vampire or the Royal Knights. That level of power..."
The weight of Shekhar's confession hung in the air. He felt a sudden, sharp jolt of anxiety about his identity and the secret he carried. But he took a breath and relaxed slightly, realizing that for now, only his three trustworthy roommates knew this unbelievable fact.
After finishing their lunch in a stunned silence punctuated by the regular cafeteria din, the four friends quickly gathered their belongings and headed back to their room for some downtime before the afternoon sessions.
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Part 3
The campus was eerily quiet, blanketed by the deep indigo and black of the early morning. It was precisely 4:00 AM, and the first hints of pre-dawn light were still hours away.
Shekhar was already outside in a secluded courtyard, beginning his rigorous physical training. He was dressed in specialized, dark, moisture-wicking gear. He carefully attached heavy, custom-designed bracelets to both wrists and ankles. These were not mere ornaments.
He activated his Gravity Magic on the bracelets, his pants, and his T-shirt simultaneously, ensuring the entire added weight was approximately 70 kg. The world instantly grew heavier around him.
He wasted no time. His routine was intense and focused:
Strength: 100 push-ups, 100 crunches, 100 sit-ups.
Endurance: A 5 km run, moving with surprising speed despite the crushing gravitational weight.
Core: 30 minutes of continuous planking.
After the physical exertion, Shekhar transitioned into energy manipulation practice. His focus was on the internal energies: Pransakti, Ki, and Qi.
He had finally achieved the successful integration of Pransakti (Life Force Energy), fully adapting it to his body with the help of his stepfather. However, the delicate art of mastering Ki and Qi remained elusive.
During his last attempt, a notification had flashed in his awareness that Ki and Qi were trying to enter and merge, but he had failed the crucial adaptation step. Now, he concentrated on every nerve and energy center in his body, meticulously attempting to generate and harness the external Ki and Qi.
He was deep in concentration, his muscles trembling slightly from the effort, when he accidentally activated his powerful, newly controlled Pransakti. The resulting energy burst was contained, but it shifted his focus completely, so he decided to continue practicing Pransakti control for another hour.
It was 7:00 AM when Shekhar finally deactivated the gravity enchantments, the sudden lightness nearly making him float. Sweaty and energized, he headed back toward his dormitory.
As he turned a corner near the main residence hall, still slightly disoriented by the transition from extreme weight, he stumbled directly into another student.
Shekhar: He quickly steadied himself and bowed slightly, genuinely apologetic. "I'm so sorry! I didn't see you. I was on my way to my room and I accidentally ran into you. Are you okay? Did you hurt anywhere?"
The other boy, slender with an air of refined calm, smiled gently.
Yuki: "Nah, it's okay. I'm totally fine. But are you okay? I think you stumbled harder than I did." He extended a hand politely. "By the way, I'm Yuki Shiina, of The Shogunate of Kageshima."
Shekhar: He shook Yuki's hand, pleased by the introduction. "Ohhh, so you're from Kageshima. That was a really beautiful place. I once saw it in a picture when my dad and father were traveling there."
Yuki: "That's nice. Well, you look like you're going somewhere urgently, and so am I. See you later in the future, Shekhar."
Yuki gave a final polite nod and walked away.
Shekhar arrived back at his room, finding it bustling. His roommates were all awake, preparing for the 8:00 AM start of the day's lectures.
Rudra: "Hey, Shekhar, where did you go off to this early morning? And you came back covered in sweat, head to toe."
Shekhar: He grabbed a towel. "Well, I was on my daily training schedule. I just finished."
Sion: "Ohhh, so you should go! We've all already taken a bath. Hurry up and let's go eat breakfast! You have only one hour to prepare before the lecture starts."
Shekhar: He nodded while picking up clean clothes. "Hmm, yeah. And I don't know why, but you guys seem unusually excited for today's first lecture."
Sion: Sion dramatically slapped his forehead. "Hey! Don't tell me you forgot already! Last time, Professor Rosy told us that tomorrow-meaning today-we will be studying all about Pransakti!"
Shekhar: He paused, mid-grab of his clothes, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "Ohhh, my bad. I think I..." He stumbled over the pronunciation, "Forgot it."
Rudra, Sion, and Sidhant burst into laughter at his mispronunciation, finding the powerful, mysterious boy's minor mistake charmingly human.
To be continued.......
