The day of the Ranked Doctor Examination had arrived.

  Azhini stepped out of the carriage, her light green half-saree catching the golden morning light. Before her stood the grand gates of the Solar Kingdom’s National Medical University (SNMU)—the seat of all medical authority in the kingdom. This institution wasn’t just a place of learning; it was the pillar that upheld the standards of every healer, alchemist, and physician across the land.

  Beyond the towering gates lay a world dedicated to medicine. Each section of the University was meticulously arranged, forming a sacred journey from nature to science—a testament to the kingdom’s respect for the healing arts.

  1. A Vast Herbal Garden – The first sight to greet entrants was an expanse of medicinal flora, stretching out in well-maintained rows. The scent of blooming herbs, exotic roots, and sacred flowers lingered in the air. Some plants stood in neat formations, others rested in clay pots, nurtured for their healing properties. Each was labeled meticulously, bearing names in ancient scripts. Several apprentices and herbalists were busy tending to the plants, clipping leaves, whispering prayers as they gathered ingredients for their medicines.

  2. The Medicine-Making Grounds – Beyond the garden lay an open-air preparation area, where medicine was forged from nature’s bounty. Rows of stoves, mortar-and-pestle sets, chopping blocks, drying racks, and filter instruments stretched as far as the eye could see. Large bronze vessels stood in corners, brewing decoctions under watchful eyes, while shelves stacked with raw ingredients exuded the sharp, earthy scent of dried herbs. This place was a silent battlefield, where skill and precision determined whether a medicine would heal or harm.

  3. The Grand Examination Hall – Azhini’s final destination. It loomed ahead, an enormous domed structure with golden embellishments. Inside, rows of desks were neatly arranged, each placed at an equal distance to prevent any chance of misconduct. The hall was bathed in natural light that streamed through carved sun motifs in the ceiling, casting warm patterns across the floor. This was where the first trial of the Ranked Doctor Examination would take place—the written test, designed to assess their theoretical knowledge.

  4. The Diagnosis and Treatment Halls – Behind the examination hall, an elaborate medical facility stood, equipped with both outpatient (OP) and inpatient (IP) setups. Several patients were already present—real cases brought in to test the examinees’ diagnostic skills in the next round. The air was thick with the sterile scents of medicinal balms, and the sound of healers discussing symptoms in hushed tones.

  5. The Central Auditorium – At the heart of SNMU, this was where the final results would be announced. A grand structure built with gleaming white marble, its ceiling bore a magnificent golden sun emblem, a reminder that only the most brilliant healers could bask in the light of knowledge. Here, the top twelve Ranked Doctors would be declared. The first ranker would serve as the Royal Physician, while the second would be awarded the top post of SNMU. The remaining ten would gain immense prestige, granting them the right to serve noble households and reside in the exclusive First Zone.

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  For the first time, Azhini set foot in the First Zone. The grandeur of it was overwhelming, but she wouldn’t allow herself to be intimidated. She had walked this far, not for luxury, not for power, but for the sake of her calling.

  She wasn’t alone, even if Ishaan or her father couldn’t accompany her. By her side, invisible to all but her, Sam walked at ease, his white robes untouched by dust, his gaze lazily sweeping across the crowd.

  ---

  The grand examination hall slowly filled with aspirants, each taking their respective seats marked with their names. The hall, bathed in soft golden sunlight filtering through the sun-carved ceiling, buzzed with a quiet tension.

  On the elevated stage, three majestic chairs stood at the center, intricately designed with golden embellishments and the sigils of the Solar Kingdom. These seats, meant for the three judges, remained empty, their presence alone commanding authority over the entire hall.

  The main Invigilator, a stern-looking man in deep blue robes, moved briskly across the stage, exchanging hurried words with the attendants. Helpers scurried back and forth, making last-minute arrangements, adjusting the exam scrolls, and ensuring the ink pots at every desk were filled. Their anxious movements reflected the gravity of the event—this was not just an ordinary examination.

  Azhini, who had arrived early, was already seated, her posture calm yet focused. Her name was elegantly engraved on the polished wooden plaque before her. She ran her fingers over it absentmindedly as she observed the unfolding scene.

  Other aspirants, still arriving, wandered through the aisles, scanning the seats for their names. Some looked nervous, their hands clutching their robes tightly, while others carried practiced confidence, their gazes sharp with determination. The in-charge staff moved efficiently, guiding confused candidates to their designated spots and ensuring the seating arrangements remained in order.

  The tension in the air grew thicker with each passing moment. The grand doors remained open, allowing the last few candidates to rush in before the ceremony officially began.

  Any moment now, the judges would arrive.

  ---

  Sam, completely detached from the tension surrounding him, floated leisurely in the air above Azhini’s seat, his white robes billowing slightly as if caught in a soft breeze. A single blade of grass lazily hung from his mouth, adding to his absurdly relaxed posture. He had positioned himself horizontally, hands behind his head, legs crossed at the ankles, as if he were lounging on an invisible hammock.

  Azhini sighed and rubbed her temples. "Good heavens… No one can see you, thankfully. Otherwise, what would everyone think of your attitude? Even I'm getting irritated."

  Sam’s golden eyes gleamed with mischief as he chewed the grass lazily. “What? Why should I be serious? The examination is for you, not me.”

  Azhini rolled her eyes. “I want to be serious and focused. If you want to stay here, act serious, or go out and enjoy yourself. I can't concentrate with you floating around like you're watching a commercial on vacation.”

  Sam, completely unfazed, grinned wider. “Hey! Why are you being so serious? Don’t worry.” He raised a finger, as if listing out divine truths.

  “First, you have me outside and Chhaya inside.

  Second, you have SMNU's grand library outside and piles of medical books inside.

  Third, we care. So don’t worry. You’re the topper here.”

  He finished his grand speech with a thumbs-up and a beaming face, as if his words alone could shatter all her worries.

  Azhini facepalmed. “I’m already a doctor. Why don’t you believe in me? Stop embarrassing me with your overconfidence. And I have already said I am not using any cheats since it's life-time chance of all doctors. It's not fair.”

  Sam scoffed, flipping in the air dramatically before rolling away in mock disappointment. “Humph… You’re no fun. What a waste of a heroine.”

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