The next morning at St. Monarch's felt different. Whispers
followed Niya wherever she went, murmurs about the girl who
roasted the Apex Four with nothing but laws and logic. Some
students admired her intelligence, others feared her confidence,
but no one could ignore her.
Meanwhile, the Apex Four were restless. Aarav, leaning against
the lockers, folded his arms. "She's not scared. Bold, yes… but
why does she carry herself like she owns the school?"
Veer grinned, trying to sound casual but failing. "Bold, smart,
fearless… all in one. It's annoying. And fun."
Kairo smirked. "Interesting, yes. But don't think she's in our
league yet. Let's see how she handles herself outside rules and
lectures."
Soren, silent as ever, simply observed. His piercing gaze followed
Niya as she walked down the corridor, her bag over one
shoulder, books held neatly.
Later, during first-period Physical Education, a game of
basketball was organized. The Apex Four had already dominated
every team and knew they could easily crush any new student.
Today, curiosity got the better of them. They decided to
challenge Niya without realizing she wouldn't take the challenge
lightly.
Veer called out loudly from the court, "Hey, new girl! Think you
can handle basketball? Or do we need to send a teacher to hold
your hand?"
Niya paused, her calm gaze meeting his. "I think you should
know," she said softly, tilting her head, "that disrespecting a
fellow student publicly is considered harassment under school
code Clause 6.3. But if you want to play, I'll join. Don't worry, I
follow the rules of fair play."
Veer and the others laughed, thinking it was a joke. Aarav raised
an eyebrow, intrigued by her audacity. "Fine," he said, "let's see
what you've got."
The game began. Niya didn't shout, push, or get aggressive. She
moved with precision, anticipation, and intelligence. Every pass,
every step, every defensive move was calculated. The Apex Four,
used to easily winning, found themselves scrambling to keep up.
Veer huffed, "What is she doing? She… she's good."
Kairo smirked, slightly impressed. "Bold, confident… she's not
scared of us. But how?!"
Aarav, normally calm and controlled, felt a flicker of admiration.
"Interesting… very interesting."
Soren, still silent, just observed. His mind, like always, was
analysing.
By the end of the game, the Apex Four were surprised. They had
expected a timid, scared girl—but Niya had stood her ground
effortlessly, and not in an aggressive way, just in a smart,
confident, precise way. She didn't boast, she didn't fight
physically; she simply played the game better than they
expected.
After the match, Veer tried to tease her. "Okay, new girl, you're
good. But don't think this makes you untouchable."
Niya smirked faintly, tilting her head. "Untouchable isn't the
goal. Knowing your rules, following them, and keeping your
dignity—that's what matters. You might want to try it
sometime."
The crowd of students around them whispered excitedly. "Did
you see her? She roasted Veer and still beat him in basketball!"
"She's fearless and clever… amazing."
Aarav watched silently, crossing his arms. "She's bold, smart…
confident. Definitely… interesting."
Kairo muttered, "Not scared of anyone. I wonder what else she's
hiding."
Veer laughed nervously, "Don't think too much, Kairo. She's
just… lucky."
Soren, as usual, stayed quiet, but his gaze lingered on Niya with
calculated intensity.
By the end of the day, Niya had already created a stir. She was
the girl who quoted laws to roast the Apex Four, who played
basketball with confidence, and who didn't flinch, didn't fight,
didn't beg, and didn't care about the usual school hierarchy.
The Apex Four, who had always dominated everyone, suddenly
realized that she wasn't just another new student—they had
met their match in intelligence, calmness, and audacity.
And yet… they still had no idea who she truly was. Her hidden
abilities, her secret power, her real identity… all of it remained
completely hidden.
But one thing was clear: Niya Sharma was not someone to
underestimate. And for the Apex Four, the real challenge had
only just begun.