MEERA (13, sharp-eyed, pigtails, always reading) adjusts her glasses while looking at the neem tree. A small leaf falls into her palm. It’s veined with glowing symbols.

The Velammal Vidyalaya campus, morning. Students mill about with backpacks. The architecture is modern but has hidden Sanskrit inscriptions carved into the pillars. A neem tree in the center courtyard is massive—almost unnatural—with threads of gold running through its bark.

The five kids look at each other. Nervous. Excited. Arjun cracks his knuckles.

Velammal Vidyalaya, Chennai. Ordinary school. Extraordinary students. PAGE 2 – FOUR PANELS

An old hologram of a RISHI appears—he smiles gently.

The floor opens silently into a spiral staircase lined with copper plates etched with Tamil-Brahmi script.

KAVI (12, tech-whiz, carries a hacked school tablet) points the tablet at the ball. A holographic readout appears: “Residual Astra energy detected. Source: Unknown.”