Adarsh clenched his fists, staring at the towering spires of Delhi Magic Academy. The massive castle-like institution stood like a monument to power, glowing runes etched across its walls, pulsing with energy. A deep hum filled the air as students streamed toward the ceremonial grounds, their excitement palpable.
Today was the Awakening Ceremony—the day that would determine their future.
Every student would place their hands on the Awakening Stone, a relic infused with the energy of the world, and their magic affinity would be revealed. Those who awakened powerful elements like Lightning, Fire, and Space would rise to greatness, while those with weaker or common elements like Water and Earth would struggle to carve a place for themselves.
But the ones who failed to awaken anything? They would be cast aside, forever fated to be the weak.
Adarsh exhaled slowly, his chest tight. He couldn't afford to fail.
The morning sky was painted in hues of crimson and gold as thousands of students gathered in the massive open-air ceremonial hall. Floating lanterns hovered above, illuminating the grand marble platform where the Awakening Stone stood. The stone was an ancient artifact, shimmering with an ethereal glow, swirling with endless elemental energies.
"Silence!"
A commanding voice echoed through the hall.
An old man in flowing black robes stepped onto the platform—Professor Shankar, the Grand Magus of the Academy. His piercing golden eyes swept across the crowd, sending chills through the students.
"Today, your fate will be decided," he said, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "The Awakening Stone shall determine your affinity. Those blessed with powerful elements shall stand at the top, while those who fail..." His lips curled. "Shall forever remain in the shadows."
A murmur of anticipation spread through the students.
Adarsh swallowed hard. His heart pounded in his chest. This was it.
One by one, names were called.
The Awakening Begins
A tall, broad-shouldered boy stepped forward first—Arjun Kapoor, son of a noble family. He confidently placed his hand on the Awakening Stone. The moment his palm touched the surface, a surge of red flames erupted around him.
"Fire Element!" Professor Shankar announced.
The crowd erupted in cheers. Fire was one of the most destructive and powerful elements.
Next was a frail-looking boy, Piyush Verma. He hesitated before touching the stone. Blue ripples spread from his fingertips, and water droplets materialized in the air.
"Water Element!"
Polite applause followed. Water was common—not bad, but not extraordinary either.
More students followed.
"Wind Element!"
"Earth Element!"
"Wood Element!"
Some students clenched their fists in frustration, while others beamed with pride.
Then came the turn of Rohan Malhotra, the arrogant son of a wealthy merchant. He strutted toward the Awakening Stone with a smirk. The moment his hands touched the surface, violent gusts of wind exploded outward, forming a raging storm.
"Wind Element! High-grade Affinity!" Professor Shankar declared.
Rohan grinned, turning toward the crowd with an air of superiority. His gaze landed on Adarsh, and he sneered.
"I bet you won't even awaken anything," he muttered.
Adarsh ignored him, but his hands clenched into fists.
One by one, the names continued, and the ceremony neared its final stages.
Adarsh's Turn
Then—
"Adarsh Mehta!"
The crowd fell silent.
Whispers spread.
"Isn't he a commoner?"
"He won't awaken anything."
"Pathetic."
Adarsh forced his legs to move. Each step felt heavy, his nerves tightening like a coil.
He reached the Awakening Stone and hesitated. What if he failed?
Images of his struggling father and disabled stepsister flashed through his mind.
No. He couldn't fail.
Taking a deep breath, he placed his hands on the stone.
For a moment, nothing happened.
The crowd snickered.
"Hah! Just as expected!"
But then—
A surge of energy shot through his body.
His vision darkened, and he found himself standing in an endless void. A place of absolute emptiness.
And then—
A tiny speck of light appeared.
Adarsh focused his awareness on it, his heart pounding. The light flickered, then expanded, swirling into a magnificent blue-purple star cluster. The energy crackled like a thunderstorm, filling the void with power.
Outside, the Awakening Stone pulsed violently.
Professor Shankar's eyes widened. "Lightning Element!"
The crowd gasped.
Lightning was one of the rarest and most destructive elements, wielded only by legendary magicians.
But it wasn't over.
Suddenly, the stone pulsed again.
Inside the void, a second star cluster appeared—this one burning with fierce red flames, resembling a miniature sun.
Adarsh felt a tidal wave of energy course through his veins. Fire!
Outside, the crowd erupted in chaos.
"He awakened a second element?!"
"Impossible! A dual-element magician?!"
"This has never happened in centuries!"
Professor Shankar took a step forward, his face filled with disbelief.
"Adarsh Mehta… You have awakened both Lightning and Fire. A Natural Dual-Element Magician!"
The entire hall fell into stunned silence.
Dual Elements were beyond rare. Only one in a million magicians could awaken more than one element. Those who did… were destined for greatness.
Adarsh stood there, his breath shaky, feeling the raw power coursing through him.
He wasn't a nobody anymore.
For the first time in his life, he had power.