The next few days passed in uneasy calm.
On the surface, life continued as usual — schools remained open, shops bustled with activity, people laughed, argued, and lived without realizing the quiet transformation happening beneath their feet. But for Mohit and his group, the world felt increasingly tense, like a tightly stretched string ready to snap.
News began circulating quietly.
Not on major channels yet — but through whispers, social media posts, and blurry videos shared in small circles.
A boy fainted after "glowing hands" appeared during a street argument.
A girl accidentally shattered a glass window without touching it.
Strange electrical disturbances were reported near abandoned buildings.
Most people dismissed these as rumors or tricks.
Mohit knew better.
"They're awakening faster," Arjun said during training, wiping sweat from his face. "And without guidance, they're unstable."
Meera tightened her gloves. "Authorities will notice soon. Once they do, everything changes."
Siya listened quietly, her expression serious. She was no longer the frightened girl they had first met — her posture was steadier now, her energy calmer, more disciplined.
Mohit closed his eyes briefly, expanding his senses.
The city felt louder now — not with sound, but with energy. Tiny sparks flickered everywhere, overlapping like invisible fireflies. Most were weak, but a few burned brighter than before.
One pulse in particular caught his attention.
Deep. Heavy. Controlled.
Not chaotic like the unstable awakenings.
Something strong… and deliberate.
"I feel someone powerful nearby," Mohit said slowly. "Not hostile yet… but watching."
Arjun frowned. "Another black-aura type?"
"Different," Mohit replied. "More… disciplined."
That night, while Mohit sat by his window cultivating quietly, the sensation returned stronger than before. His reverse cultivation defect tugged sharply, warning him to remain cautious.
He focused on stabilizing his core, letting energy circulate gently.
Suddenly, a faint ripple touched his awareness — like someone brushing against his perception.
Someone was scanning him.
Mohit opened his eyes.
Across the street, standing under a dim streetlight, was a tall figure wearing a long gray coat. The person's face was partially hidden by shadows, but their aura was calm, deep, and steady — far beyond Kiran's level.
Their eyes met.
For a brief second, the air tightened.
Then the figure turned and disappeared into the darkness.
Mohit's heart beat faster.
That wasn't a random awakened.
That was someone trained.
The next morning, Mohit informed Arjun and Meera about the encounter.
"This changes things," Meera said quietly. "If organized cultivators exist nearby, we might already be under observation."
Siya swallowed nervously. "Are they dangerous?"
"Not necessarily," Mohit replied. "But unknown forces are always risky."
As the day progressed, the group noticed unusual activity near the warehouse district — unfamiliar people lingering, subtle energy barriers flickering briefly before vanishing, faint surveillance patterns forming.
Someone was mapping awakenings.
Tracking them.
And possibly recruiting… or eliminating.
Mohit clenched his fists.
The hidden world was revealing itself faster than expected.
Soon, secrecy would collapse.
Soon, choices would have consequences.
And soon, Mohit would have to decide — remain hidden… or step into the storm.