The ground beneath Anay's feet shifted — not like an earthquake, but as if responding to his will. He focused, and the skies dimmed into a twilight hue. Floating platforms assembled in the distance. A stone path unrolled beneath him, leading to a central training arena that hadn't been there a moment ago.
"So… this world changes based on my intent. It's not just a subconscious space. It's a living forge."
He stepped into the arena. Instantly, a projection of himself appeared across from him — same face, same eyes… but crackling with the energy of pure Ashta Siddhi.
This was no illusion.
"Is this one of the trials?"
The projection lunged at him.
Anay barely blocked the blow. The sheer speed and pressure sent him skidding back. His arms vibrated from the impact.
"It's… me " he muttered. "This realm wants me to surpass myself."
He activated Laghima, becoming nearly weightless, dancing in the air. His strikes flowed into Garima, making his attacks heavier at the last moment. Then a flash of Prapti let him blink behind the projection for a follow-up.
But the copy adapted.
It used Mahima, enlarging its arm mid-swing, forcing Anay to retreat.
The battle lasted for what felt like weeks. Days passed in sweat, pain, recovery, and revelation. Every night, the subconscious realm healed him. Every day, it broke him again.
He began combining three Siddhis at once — Anima for precision, Ishita for sensing, and Vashitva to momentarily command the projection's movements.
Bit by bit, he learned. Not just how to use his powers — but how to blend them seamlessly.
By the end of the twelfth month, he stood atop a cliff within the realm. The wind was still. His subconscious self no longer attacked. Instead, it knelt before him — acknowledging his growth.
Anay took a deep breath.
"Time to return."
With that thought, the world around him dissolved into golden light.
Reality – Astral Academy Dorms
Anay opened his eyes.
Only a second had passed in the real world.
But his heart pounded with power. His gaze was sharper. His aura more controlled. His body — not much different physically — now held the instinct of a warrior who had trained for a year in battle.
He sat up slowly.
"Let's see what the Main Academy has to offer."