The Ascendant Mortal: Beyond Divine Boundaries

The atmosphere on the stage was filled with excitement as the students took turns choosing their guilds. Each of the top three ranked students stood proudly, their decisions shaping their future as their respective guilds awaited them. As the last student made their choice, the tension in the atmosphere eased and Vardhan, the headmaster of the trials, stepped forward to make an important announcement.

"Now that you have chosen your guilds, and those who still have to choose, there is one more thing you need to take care of before you proceed," Vardhan's voice echoed across the arena. "In two days, you will undergo a test that corresponds to the guild you have chosen. This test will determine your power level and your position within your chosen guild. Each guild has its own unique way of measuring power based on its specialty and training methods. Your future within your guild will depend on the results of this test."

The students looked at each other, a mixture of curiosity and apprehension spreading through them. No one had expected this additional challenge after the trials. They had already been tested physically, mentally, and strategically, but this trial felt different. It wasn't just about strength or skill; it was about something deeper - something that would define their future paths.

Vardhan raised his hand and with a wave of his fingers, a magical display appeared beneath their feet. The ground glowed with supernatural light and slowly, a list of guilds appeared, each with their own unique power level.

Level system for each guild

1. Prakriti Sangh (Union of Nature)

Specialty: Mastery over the four elements and their combinations.

level:

Sprout (newbie): basic element manipulation; limited control of a single element.

Sprout (Apprentice): Increased mastery over a chosen element, and the ability to combine them with each other.

Sage (Intermediate): Skillful control over all four elements, as well as the ability to summon smaller elemental spirits.

Avatar (Advanced): Fusion with elemental forces; able to create hybrid elements (e.g., magma, hurricane).

Elemental Sovereign (Master): Bonded to a primordial elemental spirit and able to shape natural disasters.

2. Vidya Shastra (Strategic Warfare Association)

Specialty: Tactical genius and control over armies.

level:

Tactician (Novice): Basic knowledge of battlefield strategies and small unit tactics.

Strategist (Trainee): Advanced planning for medium-scale conflicts and quick adaptability during combat.

Commander (Intermediate): Ability to lead large-scale armies and strategically manipulate terrain.

Warlord (Advanced): Specializes in real-time strategy, turning hopeless scenarios into victories.

Grand Marshal (Master): Legendary battlefield investigator, able to defeat overwhelming odds with unparalleled tactics.

3. Surya Vansh (Guild of Radiant Power)

Specialties: Light-based combat, healing, and purification.

level:

Spark (Novice): Basic light manipulation and minor healing spells.

Beacon (Apprentice): Advanced light spells and the ability to protect allies from dark magic.

Radiant Knight (Intermediate): Adds light-based attacks and healing during battle.

Solar Saint (Advanced): Channels celestial energy to purify large areas and unleash devastating holy attacks.

Luminary (Master): A walking beacon of light; capable of reviving allies and warding off massive darkness.

4. Chhaya Marga (Guild of Shadows and Stealth)

Specialties: Covert operations and shadow manipulation.

level:

Shadow (Novice): Minor shadow manipulation for basic stealth and camouflage.

Phantom (Apprentice): Control of shadows for advanced infiltration skills and attacks.

Stalker (Intermediate): Skilled at using shadows for both attack and defense, including summoning shadow formations.

Shadowmaster (Advanced): Complete control over shadows, able to blend into darkness and create illusions.

Nightmare (Master): A terror in the dark, able to use shadows to control fear and bend reality.

5. Ratha Chakra (physical combat and war union)

Specialties: Mastery with weapons and enhanced physical abilities.

level:

Warrior (Novice): Basic proficiency with weapons and increased physical endurance.

Gladiator (Apprentice): Proficiency in a number of weapons and combat techniques.

Champion (Intermediate): Mastery in weapon-spell fusion and improved battlefield endurance.

Battlelord (Advanced): Exceptional physical prowess, able to channel adrenaline energy into devastating attacks.

Warbringer (Master): A living weapon; his every move is a symphony of destruction and precision.

6. Aadhyatmik Vidya (Combination of mysticism and ancient wisdom)

Specialty: Exploration of ancient magic and forgotten spells.

level:

Novitiate (novice): Basic understanding of ancient languages and minor rituals.

Seeker (Apprentice): Able to understand complex spells and wield minor mystical artifacts.

Arcanist (Intermediate): Mastery over forgotten spells and creating magical artifacts.

Mystic (Advanced): Can summon and bind ancient spirits using forbidden magic.

Archmage (Master): Guardian of lost knowledge, able to reshape reality with mystical power.

7. Manas Yoddha (Combination of mental toughness and psychology)

Specialty: Using the power of the mind.

level:

Mindwalker (Novice): Basic telepathy and resistance to mental intrusion.

Telepath (Trainee): Proficiency in mind reading and slight telekinetic ability.

Mindweaver (Intermediate): Skilled at controlling multiple minds and using telekinesis for combat.

Psionic Sage (Advanced): Can create psychic barriers, manipulate emotions, and unleash devastating psychic attacks.

Mental Sovereignty (Master): An unshakable mind that is able to alter perception and control reality through pure will.

After the magical display faded, Vardan spoke again, his tone serious. "Now, remember, this test is not just about raw power; it is about how well you align with the principles of your chosen guild. You must be prepared to demonstrate your ability to use power in a manner consistent with your guild's focus. You may feel some discomfort or stress, but it is a necessary part of your growth. The test will not be easy, but it will show us all where you stand."

The students were listening attentively, and there was a mix of excitement and nervousness as the reality of the exam set in. Some of them were already excited to showcase their abilities, while others were doubtful if they were really up for the challenge that awaited them.

As Vardhan finished his speech, he signaled the students to leave. "Now, go and rest. You will need your strength for the challenges ahead."

One by one the students started leaving the stage, but Aamir's attention was drawn to the image of Haider Ali, the leader of the Rath Chakra Guild. Haider Ali's eyes met Aamir's and for a moment Aamir felt a shiver run down his spine. The Guild Leader's smile was small but it held a strange mystery, it seemed he knew something that Aamir did not. Aamir's heart began to pound and he tried to understand the meaning behind that look.

Before he could think about it any further, Riya came up to him, her face tired but determined. "Come on, Aamir," she said softly, her exhaustion evident. "I am very tired. We need to rest."

Amir nodded, shaking off his confusion. Together, they began to descend from the stage, their footsteps echoing through the vast arena. As they left the arena, Amir took one last look at Haider Ali. The guild leader had already left, but Amir couldn't shake the feeling that this meeting was more than just an exchange of glances. Something deeper was at play, something that Amir hadn't yet understood.

Later that day, when all the students had left the arena, Vardhan gathered the guild leaders for a final discussion. The guild leaders were quieter now, their expressions more focused as they followed Vardhan down a narrow corridor beneath the campus. Amir had heard rumors about an "observation room," a place where important decisions were made and where the true nature of the trials was revealed. Amir had always wondered what went on behind those closed doors, but he had never been invited to find out more. As they moved deeper into the shadows of the campus, Vardhan spoke to the guild leaders in a low voice. "The time has come. The room is ready." "Is everything ready?" one of the guild leaders asked, his voice full of anticipation. Vardhan nodded gravely. "Yes. Please follow me." They reached a large iron door at the end of the corridor, with strange runes and symbols etched into its surface. Vardhan placed his hand on the door, reciting a pacifying incantation. The door opened, revealing a vast chamber beyond. The room was filled with mysterious devices, magical symbols floating in the air, and a high-tech control panel glowing with pale blue light. The room was designed with a purpose beyond any normal observation—it was a place where powerful magic was monitored and manipulated. The guild leaders entered the room, a mixture of curiosity and concern on their faces. Vardhan closed the door behind them, sealing it with a click. He turned to face them, his expression grim.