Akash was still processing the storm of change surging within him when his phone buzzed, vibrating softly in his palm. It was a call from his best friend, Rohit.
"Bro! I awakened!" Rohit's voice was ecstatic, practically shouting through the speaker.
Akash blinked. "What? You too?"
"Yes! Something crazy's happening. Dhaya got powers too—and not just us. A bunch of people in the hostel awakened. Come to the beach near campus. Let's talk there."
Akash agreed instantly. "I'm coming."
Just as he ended the call, a ping echoed from his university WhatsApp group. He opened it and read the urgent notice:
> Dear students, due to unexpected circumstances, all classes are suspended for one week. If you've awakened powers, please restrain yourself from harming others or yourself. Report to Building A for ability registration the day after tomorrow. Those without powers, please stay safe and avoid interactions with awakened individuals. The government is monitoring the situation. Warning: Some animals have also awakened and have become violent. Avoid going outside unless necessary.
Another message came in, this time from his class group. Sathish, the group leader, had written:
> If you awakened, inform me immediately so I can report it.
Akash smirked at the chaos already brewing in their student circles. He knew the smart move would be to stay low, but his curiosity and the raw energy flowing through his veins demanded otherwise.
I'll meet my friends... but I won't show everything.
He decided to keep his true power a secret. No one needed to know about the Viltrumite physique—not yet. He'd only use lightning manipulation, limiting his strength to that of a Rank 2.
He reached for his jacket and slid into his black jeans, only to pause. The fabric felt tight. Looking in the mirror, he noticed a subtle change—he was taller, broader, more defined.
"Damn," he whispered, running a hand over his now-firmer chest and arms. His transformation was more than just internal—it was physical, visible.
Locking his door, Akash stepped out. The hallway was in chaos. Some students were running, others were floating, glowing, or accidentally breaking objects with uncontrolled power. Screams, cheers, and chatter in dozens of languages filled the air—Indian, Russian, Chinese, Nigerian, and more. The international student population of Vladivostok was waking up to a new world.
But Akash didn't stop. He slipped past the noise and excitement, body humming with restrained energy. Then, he ran—faster than he ever had before.
The beach was 800 meters away, but it felt like mere steps as he blurred through the streets, a faint trace of static trailing behind him. His heart pounded—not from exhaustion, but from exhilaration.
The world had changed overnight.
And Akash was ready to meet it.