"Sir, I'll take you to the Extreme Dojo."
The soldier stepped forward and began walking alongside Rudra.
"But please, don't wander around once inside the area. You've only been granted access to the dojo—not the residential zone for the martial artists' families."
He gave Rudra a grin that was equal parts friendly and warning.
"If you violate the rules... even if I let it slide, the patrol brothers inside definitely won't."
"Understood." Rudra nodded firmly.
He knew the Extreme Martial Arts Hall held a position of great authority—equal to, if not greater than, some government institutions. Its cooperation with the nation's defense forces made it an entity few dared to disrespect.
As they moved deeper into the residential area, Rudra couldn't help but be captivated by what he saw.
"Wow, they're all detached villas, one after another," Rudra thought.
Aside from the tall Extreme Dojo building standing at the centre of the residential area, the surroundings were filled with well-arranged detached villas. Between the villas, there were rock gardens, serene ponds, and manicured lawns.
Soon, they reached the heart of the Evergreen Residential Area, where the Extreme Dojo was located. The soldier left after escorting Rudra to the gate of the dojo.
Rudra stepped inside and was greeted by the receptionist.
"Sir, are you here to take the Quasi-Warrior test? Please have a seat over there. The test will begin at 10 o'clock," said a mature-looking woman, the dojo's receptionist, as she gestured toward the waiting area.
Rudra nodded and walked toward the waiting area. There was a small bar counter nearby, manned by a waiter and a bartender.
The waiting area was empty—perhaps not many people were scheduled to take the Quasi-Warrior test today. Rudra sat down without hesitation and closed his eyes to rest.
"Rudra, you're here," a sweet and familiar voice echoed in his ears.
He immediately recognized the speaker.
"Sister Lily, you're also here to take the test?" he asked in surprise, opening his eyes.
"Why? Can't I take it?" Lily teased, a playful smile in her voice.
"No, no, of course you can," Rudra replied, shaking his head. "It's just… I'm surprised you haven't taken it already."
"Hehe." Lily smiled as she saw Rudra flustered. "It's just that my brother wanted me to take the test in his presence, so I waited until now."
Rudra nodded. As for why her brother insisted, she wait, he didn't ask.
"You're here quite early. Are you a bit nervous?" Lily asked, sitting beside him.
"Why would I be nervous about something I know I'll succeed in?" Rudra replied confidently.
"Uh… I was just asking casually," Lily said, her tone slightly embarrassed.
After some time, three more people entered the waiting area—two mature-looking women and a bearded man. Rudra didn't recognize any of them, so he simply closed his eyes to rest. Beside him, Lily began chatting with the two women, while the bearded man also settled into his seat and closed his eyes.
"Everyone, get ready." A warm and gentle voice echoed in the ears of everyone present. When they turned to look, they saw a kind-looking man standing at the centre of the hall, calling out to them.
"Please follow me upstairs," he said with a smile. "Your Quasi-Warrior test will begin shortly. Also, remember to keep quiet—our chief instructor prefers a peaceful environment."
"Yes, Instructor," everyone replied respectfully. Not a single person dared to show even a hint of arrogance in their voice.
Soon, they entered the elevator. The kind-looking man calmly pressed the button for the fifth floor.
After a short ride, the elevator doors opened, and they all stepped out onto a wide, spacious floor.
In the hall ahead, a dozen or so people were chatting and laughing casually.
"Quiet down. They've arrived," a stern voice cut through the noise.
At once, the room fell silent as all eyes turned to the group of test-takers.
"Tch, looks like there aren't many students this time," one man muttered under his breath.
As the attention of the crowd shifted to the new arrivals, all five test-takers began breathing heavily. The sheer pressure radiating from the dozen individuals in the hall was suffocating—an oppressive aura that made it difficult to even stand straight.
All except Rudra.
He remained calm, his expression unshaken. After all, he had faced far more terrifying presences in his previous life. This kind of pressure was nothing new to him.
The people present took notice. Their expressions shifted subtly when they saw Rudra standing still and composed amidst the invisible weight.
Among them was Hameed. Upon seeing Rudra, he gave a small, approving nod.
"Prepare for the test," a voice called out from the corner of the hall.
Rudra turned his gaze in that direction—and his eyes widened slightly.
He immediately recognized the speaker.
It was none other than the head of the Extreme Dojo and the Chief Instructor of New Delhi City: Peter Jons.
"Okay everyone, hand over your ID cards first," said the kind-looking man who had led Rudra and the others upstairs.
He collected their cards and walked directly to Chief Instructor Peter Jons.
"Boss, not many candidates this time—just five of them," he added with a smile.
Peter Jons gave a small nod and took the ID cards, swiping each one through a nearby instrument.
Beep... Beep!
A crystal-clear, semi-transparent screen flickered to life, displaying detailed personal information for each test-taker.
As Peter glanced through the profiles, everything seemed standard. All five were officially affiliated with the Extreme Martial Hall. But then—his eyes paused.
Displayed on the screen was Rudra's profile.
Peter's expression shifted slightly.
Age: [17]
Status: Special Category
He was clearly surprised by Rudra's youth and the unique designation, but he said nothing.
"First up, Jimmy," Peter announced calmly.
The bearded man stepped forward.
"This is your last chance," Peter said, his voice firm yet encouraging. "So, give it everything you've got."
Rudra, watching silently, felt a shift in his perception of the man.
He's strict... but not cold.
His respect for the Chief Instructor rose a little.
The bearded man, Jimmy, gave a determined nod and walked toward the testing area to demonstrate his strength.