You cannot get admission in this academy. The same words Saloni had been hearing since childhood. Every time the same thing. Every time that same sorrow. Every time that same disappointment. The door closed. The chance finished.My name is Saloni. And I am happy in my life. Or at least I have convinced myself that I am. But there's just one thing. No, just one thing would be wrong to say. There's a small memory that still wanders around in my mind. A memory I cannot quite remember fully but somewhere deep inside me it exists.I remember two people. A man and a woman. Just that much. Their faces? They've faded now. Their voices? Lost. Everything is lost. Just this memory remains that they were. That they were with me. And then suddenly, they weren't.I was maybe between three and nine years old. Now it doesn't matter. What matters is that they left me at the orphanage. I thought they would come back. Parents do that, don't they? They go but they return.But they didn't come back.I saw them. I watched them go away. With every step they moved further from me. And then... and then they disappeared from my sight forever. Even now, they are just a blurred image in my memories. The shadow of those people who made me but never claimed my existence.What am I thinking about?Saloni shook herself. Memories are always just memories. There's no use thinking about them. She had other things to do. To arrange food for today.Her life. The one she had built for herself. Where everything was ordinary. Where no one wanted her. But she survived. Because living was the only option.Saloni walked past the academy gates.Then her eyes fell on a girl. Expensive clothes. A gold chain. Glittering things that gleamed like diamonds. Everything said she was the daughter of a rich family. Just by looking you could tell which world she lived in. When Saloni saw her, she felt like a ghost. A shadow. Something that didn't really exist.She looked at the girl and smiled. Wait, she chickled. A rooster. No, a hen.Then the girl's phone rang. Why can't you come pick me up? She shouted. There was anger in her voice. The anger of luxury. The anger of privilege. Where am I supposed to go alone?A voice came from the other side. Some words. Then silence. The girl's face turned red.Fine. I'll go alone. You'll all regret this later. She hung up hard.Then a boy came to her and said, Come with me, I'll take you home. The girl hesitated a little then she started walking with him. In the distance a very large building could be seen. Magnificent. Expensive. Like heaven. Her eyes kept going back to it again and again.I've loved this building since childhood, she murmured. In just a few years my father will buy me a penthouse in it. And then... and then everything will change.Her name was Rohini. Or at least that's what she felt life was for her. But then she turned toward a street. A deserted street. It was a desolate area. Few people came here because this is where the rich people's area began.Rohan thought of himself as the most dangerous boy in the city. And maybe he was right. F-Rank Awakened. Ice element. He had power. Money. Family. Son of Karan Malhotra. The only son of the city's most powerful man. So why not have some fun?When he saw Priya his eyes lit up. Rich girl. Alone. Helpless.He didn't wait. Just moved forward. Grabbed her shoulder. And dragged her into the alley. Rohini wanted to scream but fear choked her voice.Stay quiet, Rohan whispered. If you scream it will be unfortunate.He pushed Rohini against a wall. It was dark. The alley was empty. And Rohan felt powerful.My name is Rohan Malhotra, he said. His voice dripping with arrogance. My father is the most powerful man in this city. And I... I'm an F-Rank Awakened. Do you know what that means?Priya shook her head from fear.It means I have power. Strength. And you, he grabbed Priya's face. You're nothing. Just a rich girl. That's all.But then... a voice echoed.Shut up. Dog.Rohan froze. He turned around.A girl was standing in the dark. Simple clothes. Simple appearance. But her eyes... her eyes were dangerous. It was Saloni.Who are you? Rohan laughed. Did you come to have some fun with me too? That's fine. I have room for both of you.Let that girl go, Saloni said without emotion. Now. Or I will finish you right here.Rohan laughed again. But this time there was doubt in his laugh. Doubt about who this girl was. What this girl could do.You're Dormant, he said. No power. No strength. And me? I'm F-Rank. Do you know how much difference there is?Saloni didn't answer. Just kept looking at him and then... ice began forming in Rohan's hands. His power. Ice element. The power of an F-Rank Awakened. He quickly gathered his hands and shot an icy blast at Saloni. A wave of ice. Cold. Deep. Dangerous.But Saloni just took one step forward. And leaped from her spot even higher than a normal person.
The ice passed by her. It didn't even touch her. Like she was impenetrable.Rohan's eyes widened.What is this?I told you, Saloni said. Now you have only one choice. Either you give me all the Energy Chips you have and let this girl go or...Saloni laughed. But this laugh was dangerous. Cold. Merciless.Then you're making the wrong decision.
She took a step forward. Just a few steps but she reached Rohan in moments. Rohan ran and Saloni just stood there alone. But then she stopped and started running. In just minutes she caught up to Rohan. And grabbed him by his clothes.Rohan's body trembled. Fear. Pure fear.Just... just a second, he stammered. You... who are you? Saloni threw him against the wall but didn't let go. Hard.
So hard that cracks appeared on the wall.I told you to give me the Energy Chips and then leave from here, Saloni's voice was as cold as ice. But you didn't listen.Rohan used his power again. Sharp ice daggers came from his hands. Toward Saloni's face. Ice that could wound someone. Ice that could cut. That could draw blood.But Saloni raised her other hand. Without thinking. Without fear. And struck the ice and it shattered and scattered.Rohan's eyes expanded.This... this isn't possible, he whispered. This isn't any power. This is like the strength of a bestman.Saloni said nothing. Just gave a cold smile. And then threw Rohan to the ground.He fell. Hard. His head hit a rock. Blood started flowing.How many Energy Chips do you have? Saloni asked. Her foot on Rohan's chest. My father will find out, Rohan growled. And then you'll regret it.Saloni pressed harder on her foot. Rohan's breath caught. Your father won't care Saloni said. Because you're going to die.
No No I have five thousand Energy Chips! Rohan screamed. I have them in a bag. Look over there. That corner. Just... just let me go. Please.Saloni looked at him. A black bag. Beautiful design. Obviously expensive.You'll open it, Saloni said.Rohan raised his hand. Shaking. And opened the bag. Thousands of glittering gold chips.Energy Chips. The most precious thing in the world. The source of power. Awakened people consumed these. This is how they could increase their strength. Five thousand. This was a lot.Saloni took the bag in her hand. And threw Rohan against the wall one more time. He lost consciousness. He passed out. Blood was flowing from his face.Saloni just looked at him. No emotion. No hesitation.Then she went to Priya.Let's get out of here, Saloni said.Priya was still in fear. But she took Saloni's hand.When they came out of the alley the night sky was welcoming them. Stars. Moon. And silence.What's your name? Priya asked.Saloni, she said. And yours?Priya. Priya Sharma. I can never forget you. You saved my honor.Saloni said nothing. Just sent Priya toward her house.And then she was alone. In the darkness of the night. With five thousand Energy Chips in a bag. She held the bag to her chest. And started thinking.Today I have five thousand Energy Chips. These kids from rich families rarely get so many. Their father has given five thousand Energy Chips to his son. With these chips I can buy food for two or three months. This is perfect. This is really perfect.