Within days, the world learned the truth. Approximately 25% of humanity had awakened elemental powers. Governments scrambled, scientists gawked, and the media called them "The Awakeners."
Aarav received an official invitation to the Dehradun Awakener Academy. The city's skyline gleamed under the morning sun as he approached the academy—a fortress of unknown alloys, energy shields visible in arcs around the gates, armed guards patrolling meticulously.
Inside, the main hall stretched like a cathedral. Orbs floated, flames hovered without fuel, water formed walls in mid-air. Students trained in every conceivable elemental skill.
When his turn came, a crystal orb floated before him. A soft hum filled the room.
ELEMENT DETECTED: LIGHTNING
RANK: S
Whispers erupted. Eyes widened. Some stepped back, others leaned forward in fascination.
During training, Aarav discovered his lightning was fast, precise, and deadly. But in one fraction of a second, space itself seemed to bend around his attack. Only he noticed.
On the balcony above, a girl watched silently. Ether particles shimmered faintly around her—Ananya Vajpeyi, one of the top awakeners from an ancient family.
"Interesting…" she murmured.
"Very interesting."