[Early morning, outside Rudra's house. The sun is just rising, and Anika stands impatiently at the doorstep, ringing the doorbell repeatedly.]
Anika: [rings the bell again] Rudra! Wake up! It's the day of Primal Awakening!
Rudra: [Startled, groggy] Oh shoot! Coming! Let me get ready!
Anika: [Arms crossed, smirking] I knew it! You stayed up late practicing again, didn't you?
Rudra: [Avoids eye contact] W-What? No! Of course not!
Anika: [Laughs] Ha! It's written all over your face, dummy! Now hurry up!
Rudra: [Rushing to the bathroom] Yeah, yeah, I'm going!
Anika: [Softly to herself, watching him leave] Ever since that day… this guy never stops pushing himself. I wonder when I'll see that cheerful Rudra again…
[She sighs, but then shakes her head with a small smile.]
___________________________________________________________________
The sun cast a golden glow over Bhopal Middle School as Vice Principal Rajveer Thakur, a strong middle-aged man with a commanding presence, stood before forty eager students. His sharp gaze swept across the young faces before him as he cleared his throat.
"Welcome, students, to the Primal Awakening Ceremony. Today marks the beginning of your journey as true warriors. You will be transported to the Primal Awakening Tower, where, for the first time in your life, you will absorb the Aura Force and awaken your innate abilities. Some of you will become weapon users, mastering the arts of the sword, katar, or defense techniques. Others will harness speed or elemental powers. Each of you has a destiny waiting. One by one, you will enter the tower, and in five minutes, you will emerge awakened. Let the ceremony begin!"
A shimmering portal appeared before them, pulsing with ancient energy. The first student, Ranjeet, stepped forward. Standing at 145 cm, he was ten centimeters taller than Rudra, his close friend. Taking a deep breath, he entered the portal and vanished. The tower hummed with energy. Moments later, he reappeared, his eyes shining with newfound strength, gripping a small brown mace. He smiled proudly.
Next was Varsha, who emerged holding a blue-colored bow, followed by Jasleen, whose hands now wielded a pair of sleek blue katars. Murmurs of excitement filled the air as the awakenings continued.
Then, it was Anika's turn. She stepped into the portal with determination. As the minutes passed, the students watched anxiously. Suddenly, flames erupted around the tower, signaling her awakening. When she emerged, she carried a crimson spear, and her presence radiated fiery intensity.
"Fire element...!" whispers spread among the students. "One of the strongest elements!"
Rudra stepped forward, grinning. "Congratulations, Anika. I knew you would be strong."
Anika twirled her spear with joy. "Let's see what our handsome friend gets!
A burst of laughter interrupted their exchange. Vikram, a proud and arrogant boy from the esteemed Ahuja family, scoffed. "What can a weak orphan boy like him possibly get?"
Other students chuckled in agreement as Vikram confidently walked toward the portal. Five minutes later, a thunderous crack echoed as a lightning bolt struck the tower.
Gasps filled the air as Vikram emerged, wielding 'khanda' a sharp double-edged sword.
Vice Principal Rajveer nodded approvingly. "This year's students are worth watching."
Vikram sneered at Rudra. "What are you waiting for, weakling? Go in and get embarrassed."
Rudra ignored him, stepping into the portal. The moment he entered, a heavy darkness enveloped him. Before him stood a majestic figure—a long-haired entity cloaked in shadow, wielding an ominous trident.