(Vena’s POV) The morning of the symposium arrived faster than I expected.
I stood in front of the mirror, adjusting my college ID card.
My bag was packed.
Notebook.
Pen.
The invitation letter.
Everything was ready.
But…
My heartbeat wasn’t.
Outside…
The college bus was already waiting.
Several participants had gathered near the entrance.
Some were revising notes.
Others were chatting excitedly.
As I stepped through the gate…
Kabir dramatically saluted.
“Representative Madam has arrived!” I laughed.
“You promised to stop calling me that.” “I lied.” Riya rolled her eyes.
“Good morning to you too.” Professor Mehta checked the attendance list.
“Everyone’s here?” A senior replied, “Yes, sir.” “Good.” “We’ll leave in five minutes.” Ananya handed me a small paper packet.
“What’s this?” She smiled.
“Your favorite chocolate biscuits.” “For emergency motivation.” I couldn’t help smiling.
“Thank you.” Kabir immediately stretched out his hand.
“I’ll keep them safe.” I pulled the packet back.
“No.” “Nice try.” Everyone laughed.
The bus finally started moving.
The city slowly disappeared behind them.
For nearly an hour…
Students talked about colleges, future plans, and funny classroom memories.
Even Professor Mehta joined the conversation occasionally.
The atmosphere was relaxed.
Kabir leaned across the aisle.
“Vena.” “Hmm?” “Still nervous?” I looked out of the window.
“…A little.” Before Kabir could answer…
Arther spoke from the seat behind.
“Good.” Everyone looked at him.
He continued calmly, “If you stop feeling nervous…” “It usually means you’ve stopped caring.” “Nervousness isn’t your enemy.” “It’s proof…” “…that this matters to you.” The bus became quiet.
Even Professor Mehta glanced back and smiled.
“That’s well said.” About thirty minutes later…
The bus slowed down.
Professor Mehta stood up.
“We’re here.” Every student looked out of the window.
The symposium venue was far larger than anyone had imagined.
A beautiful university campus stretched before them.
Tall academic buildings.
Colorful department banners.
Students from dozens of colleges walking in every direction.
The entrance gate displayed a huge banner: INTER-COLLEGE SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM 2026 Below it…
Hundreds of participants were already registering.
Kabir stared through the window.
“…Okay.” “Now I’m nervous too.” Riya smiled.
“Welcome to the club.” As everyone stepped off the bus…
Vena paused for a moment.
She took a deep breath.
This wasn’t just another college event.
This was the first step into a much bigger world.
She adjusted her ID card…
Picked up her bag…
And walked through the university gate.
Without realizing it…
Someone standing near the registration desk looked directly at her.
He lowered the participant list in his hand…
And smiled faintly.
“So…” “We’ve finally met.” I didn’t hear those words.
I simply followed the crowd toward the registration desk.
Students from different colleges filled the courtyard.
Some wore white lab coats.
Some carried project models.
Others discussed scientific theories with surprising confidence.
For a moment…
I felt very small.
“Participants, please form a single line.” A volunteer guided everyone toward the registration counter.
Professor Mehta gathered our group.
“Stay together.” “After registration, we’ll proceed to the main auditorium.” Everyone nodded.
Kabir looked around with wide eyes.
“There must be hundreds of students here.” Riya corrected him.
“Probably more than a thousand.” Kabir swallowed.
“…Why did you have to say that?” Ananya smiled.
“Because it’s true.” My turn finally came.
The volunteer smiled politely.
“College ID, please.” I handed it over.
She checked the list.
“Vena…” “City Science College.” “Welcome.” She handed me a participant badge, an event booklet, and a blue folder.
“Your presentation session is tomorrow morning.” “Today’s schedule includes the opening ceremony and workshops.” “Thank you.” As I stepped aside…
Someone called my name.
“Vena!” I turned around.
Maya hurried over, waving happily.
“We made it!” She held up her participant badge proudly.
“I was worried I’d get lost.” I laughed.
“I almost did.” Before we could continue…
Another familiar voice joined in.
“I see the first-timers have already found each other.” It was Rohan.
He smiled politely.
“Good morning.” “Good morning,” Maya and I replied together.
Kabir leaned toward Riya and whispered, “Why do I feel like we’re forming a team?” Riya smiled.
“You’ve known them for five minutes.” “Still counts.” Professor Mehta clapped his hands.
“Everyone.” “The opening ceremony begins in fifteen minutes.” “Let’s move to the auditorium.” The auditorium was enormous.
Rows upon rows of seats stretched toward a grand stage.
Large screens displayed the symposium logo.
Representatives from dozens of colleges slowly filled the hall.
The atmosphere was completely different from our college.
Professional.
Exciting.
Inspiring.
As we found our seats…
An elderly scientist walked onto the stage.
The entire auditorium became silent.
He smiled warmly before speaking.
“Welcome…” “To all the young minds gathered here today.” His voice echoed throughout the hall.
“You are not here merely to compete.” “You are here to ask questions.” “To challenge ideas.” “And perhaps…” “To discover something that changes the way you see the world.” No one spoke.
Every student listened carefully.
While everyone focused on the stage…
A volunteer quietly approached Professor Mehta.
She handed him a small slip of paper.
He read it.
His expression changed slightly.
He looked toward Vena.
Then folded the paper and slipped it into his pocket.
“I’ll tell her after the ceremony,” he thought.
On the stage…
The chief guest smiled.
“I have one more announcement.” “This year…” “We’ve invited a surprise guest.” Someone whose achievements had inspired students across the country.
The auditorium erupted into whispers.
“Who could it be?” “Is it a famous scientist?” “Maybe a researcher from ISRO?” Even Professor Mehta looked curious.
The lights dimmed.
The host stepped toward the microphone.
“And now…” “Please welcome…” The entire auditorium held its breath.
The giant LED screen behind the stage lit up.
A name appeared.
Dr.
Aditi Rao Biomedical Research Scientist The hall erupted into applause.
A woman in her early thirties walked confidently onto the stage.
She wasn’t surrounded by security.
She wasn’t dressed extravagantly.
A simple navy-blue blazer.
A warm smile.
Confident eyes.
She greeted everyone with a slight bow.
“Good morning, everyone.” The applause slowly faded.
She looked around the auditorium before speaking.
“When I was sitting where you are today…” “I believed that the smartest person would always succeed.” She paused.
“…I was wrong.” Several students looked at each other.
Even Kabir stopped whispering.
“The students who changed my life…” “Weren’t always the toppers.” “They were the ones…” “…who never stopped asking questions.” She smiled.
“Science begins with curiosity.” “Not with perfect answers.” I quietly opened my notebook.
Without realizing it…
I had started writing every sentence she spoke.
Dr.
Aditi continued.
“You’ll meet brilliant people here.” “Some may know more than you.” “Some may perform better than you.” “Don’t compare your beginning…” “…to someone else’s journey.” The entire auditorium remained silent.
Every word felt genuine.
After her speech…
The host returned to the stage.
“Thank you, Dr.
Aditi.” “We’ll now begin today’s workshop sessions.” “The session details are available in your participant folders.” Students slowly stood up.
The auditorium became lively again.
Professor Mehta gathered our group.
“Remember your schedules.” “If anyone has questions…” “My phone will remain on.” Everyone nodded.
As we stepped into the main corridor…
It felt like an entirely different world.
Every hallway displayed research posters.
Robotics demonstrations were taking place in one corner.
Another hall was filled with students discussing environmental innovations.
Maya looked around in amazement.
“I’ve never seen anything like this.” I smiled.
“Neither have I.” Kabir pointed toward a nearby booth.
“They’re demonstrating a robotic arm!” Riya laughed.
“We’ve been here for five minutes.” “You already want to explore.” “That’s the whole point of coming here.” Suddenly…
Professor Mehta called out.
“Vena.” I turned around.
“Yes, sir?” He remembered the folded slip of paper still in his pocket.
“I need to tell you something.” His expression had become serious.
“The organizing committee contacted me just before the ceremony.” “They’ve made a small change.” I felt my heartbeat quicken.
“A change?” He nodded.
“Yes.” “They’ve moved your presentation…” “…from a classroom session…” “…to the Main Academic Hall.” Kabir’s smile disappeared.
“The…
main hall?” Professor Mehta exhaled slowly.
“It means…” “You won’t be presenting before thirty or forty students anymore.” He looked directly at Vena.
“You’ll be presenting…” “…before representatives from every participating college.” For a few moments…
I couldn’t say anything.
“The Main Academic Hall…?” I repeated quietly.
Professor Mehta nodded.
“Yes.” “It surprised me as well.” Kabir looked confused.
“Sir…” “Can they just change someone’s presentation like that?” “They usually don’t.” Professor Mehta adjusted his glasses.
“But the organizing committee has that authority.” “If they believe a project deserves a larger audience…” “They can move it.” Riya looked at me.
“That means they liked your exhibition presentation.” Ananya smiled.
“That’s a good thing.” I tried to smile back.
“I know…” “But it’s also terrifying.” Kabir laughed.
“That’s the most honest answer you’ve given today.” Just then…
A volunteer approached Professor Mehta.
“Excuse me, sir.” “The organizing committee has requested Miss Vena’s presence.” “Mine?” “Yes.” “They’d like to verify a few presentation details.” Professor Mehta nodded.
“I’ll accompany her.” The volunteer smiled.
“Of course.” The rest of the group stayed behind.
“We’ll wait near the workshop hall,” Riya said.
“No rush.” Kabir gave Vena a thumbs-up.
“You’ll do great.” I nodded gratefully.
“Thanks.” Professor Mehta and I followed the volunteer through a long corridor.
The further we walked…
The quieter it became.
Finally…
We reached a conference room.
A small nameplate outside read: Organizing Committee The volunteer knocked gently.
“They’re here.” A voice from inside replied, “Please come in.” The room wasn’t large.
Three professors sat around a circular table.
Files were neatly arranged before them.
One of them smiled warmly.
“Miss Vena.” “Please, have a seat.” I sat down.
Professor Mehta remained beside me.
The senior professor opened a file.
“We watched the recording of yesterday’s exhibition.” I looked surprised.
“…Recording?” He nodded.
“The judges recorded several presentations.” “Yours stood out.” Another professor continued, “You explained scientific concepts clearly.” “You answered unexpected questions calmly.” “And…” “You connected with the audience.” The first professor smiled.
“That’s why we’ve shifted your presentation to the Main Academic Hall.” “It isn’t a test.” “It’s an opportunity.” I slowly let out the breath I had been holding.
“So…” “I didn’t do anything wrong?” All three professors smiled.
“Quite the opposite.” The atmosphere immediately became lighter.
Professor Mehta looked genuinely pleased.
“I told you.” “This is recognition.” As the meeting was about to end…
The youngest committee member glanced at another file.
“Oh…” “One more thing.” He looked at Vena.
“Since you’ll be presenting in the main hall…” “We’ll assign a student coordinator to assist you throughout the event.” I nodded.
“Thank you.” He checked the list.
Then smiled.
“Perfect.” “He’s already here.” The conference room door opened.
A young man stepped inside wearing a blue Student Coordinator badge.
He greeted the professors politely.
“Good afternoon.” Then…
His eyes met Vena’s.
For just a second…
He seemed surprised.
Then he smiled politely.
“…Looks like we’ll be working together.” I looked at the badge on his blazer.
Student Coordinator: Ayaan Sharma Something about him felt familiar…
Yet I was certain…
We had never met before.
I looked at him for a moment.
Then smiled politely.
“…Nice to meet you.” “I’m Vena.” He nodded.
“Ayaan.” “I know.” The answer caught me off guard.
He quickly added, “I mean…” “I read your name in the participant list.” I gave a small nod.
“Right.” One of the professors smiled.
“Ayaan has volunteered as a student coordinator for the Main Academic Hall.” “He’ll make sure presenters know their schedule.” “If you need directions, equipment, or technical assistance…” “You can ask him.” Ayaan nodded professionally.
“I’ll do my best.” The meeting ended a few minutes later.
Professor Mehta had another discussion with the committee, so he stayed behind.
As Vena stepped outside…
Ayaan walked beside her.
“The workshop halls are this way.” “I’ll show you.” “Thank you.” The corridor was much quieter than the main building.
Large photographs of past symposiums decorated the walls.
Winners.
Research teams.
Scientists.
Decades of memories.
Ayaan noticed Vena looking at them.
“Every year…” “Students stop here.” “They all imagine their picture on these walls someday.” Vena smiled.
“Have you imagined that too?” He laughed softly.
“Many times.” “But imagining and achieving…” “…are very different things.” They continued walking.
Neither of them spoke for a few moments.
Finally…
Ayaan broke the silence.
“Can I ask you something?” “Of course.” “Were you nervous during yesterday’s exhibition?” Vena laughed quietly.
“I was terrified.” Ayaan looked genuinely surprised.
“You didn’t look terrified.” “I’ve learned…” “…that looking calm and feeling calm are completely different.” Ayaan smiled.
“I’ll remember that.” They reached a large hall where students were entering for different workshops.
“This is the Innovation Workshop.” “You’ll be here after lunch.” He pointed toward another corridor.
“And your presentation rehearsal is tomorrow morning at nine.” “I’ll come and remind you.” “Thank you.” Just then…
A familiar voice called out.
“Vena!” She turned around.
Kabir came jogging toward them.
“There you are!” “We’ve been looking everywhere.” He suddenly noticed Ayaan.
“Oh…” “Sorry.” “Am I interrupting something?” Ayaan smiled politely.
“Not at all.” “I’m Ayaan.” “The student coordinator.” Kabir immediately shook his hand.
“Kabir.” “Official friend.” Riya arrived a second later.
“There is no such title.” Kabir ignored her.
Ayaan looked at the cheerful group.
“So…” “These are your teammates?” Vena smiled.
“My friends.” “They’re from my college.” Ayaan nodded.
“I can see that.” “They seem very supportive.” Kabir proudly crossed his arms.
“We’re the best support team.” Ananya laughed.
“He’s not entirely wrong.” A volunteer called from inside the workshop hall.
“Participants, please take your seats.” Ayaan stepped back.
“That’s my cue.” He looked at Vena.
“I’ll see you tomorrow before your rehearsal.” “Good luck with today’s sessions.” “Thank you.” He walked away toward the stage.
Kabir watched him leave.
“He seems nice.” Riya agreed.
“And very professional.” Arther, who had been quietly observing everything, looked toward the stage.
Then his eyes briefly shifted to the organizers’ seating area.
Something felt…
Different.
Not dangerous.
Just…
Unusual.
He couldn’t explain why.
But he had the strange feeling…
That Vena’s presentation had attracted attention from more people than anyone realized.
And somewhere in the audience…
Someone was already waiting…
Not to watch the symposium.
But to watch Vena.
The announcement echoed through the hall.
“All participants, please take your seats.” The large workshop room quickly filled with students from different colleges.
Each table had six seats.
Students were encouraged to mix with participants from other institutions.
Professor Mehta smiled.
“Don’t sit only with your own college.” “The whole purpose is to meet new people.” Everyone nodded.
I looked around.
“Looks like we’ll have to split up.” Kabir sighed dramatically.
“Our team is breaking already.” Riya smiled.
“It’s only for one session.” “You’ll survive.” “I’ll try.” The six of us naturally found different tables.
By coincidence…
I was seated with: Maya Rohan Two engineering students One biotechnology student It felt awkward at first.
No one knew each other.
The workshop instructor walked onto the stage.
He smiled.
“Good afternoon, everyone.” “I’m Professor Nair.” “Today’s workshop isn’t about memorizing facts.” “It’s about solving problems.” He held up a transparent box.
Inside…
There were several folded paper slips.
“Each table will receive one real-world scientific problem.” “You’ll have forty-five minutes.” “There is no perfect answer.” “We only want to see…” “…how you think.” The room immediately became lively.
A volunteer placed a folded paper on our table.
Rohan unfolded it.
He read aloud, ‘Design a simple and affordable method to provide safe drinking water in flood-affected villages using locally available materials.’ The six of us looked at one another.
No one spoke for a few seconds.
Finally…
One engineering student broke the silence.
“We could build a portable filtration unit.” The biotechnology student nodded.
“But it has to be inexpensive.” Maya picked up a pen.
“What local materials could we use?” Everyone started sharing ideas.
I quietly listened.
Instead of speaking immediately…
I wrote every suggestion in my notebook.
Sand filtration.
Charcoal.
Boiling.
Cloth filtration.
Solar disinfection.
Then…
A thought crossed my mind.
I raised my hand slightly.
“What if…” “We combine several simple methods…” “…instead of relying on just one?” Everyone looked at me.
I continued, “Even if one method isn’t perfect…” “Using two or three together…” “…could make the water much safer.” The engineering student nodded.
“That’s actually practical.” Maya smiled.
“I like that idea.” Rohan leaned forward.
“Let’s build around it.” Within minutes…
The awkward silence disappeared.
Ideas bounced across the table.
No one tried to dominate the discussion.
Everyone listened.
Everyone contributed.
Forty-five minutes later…
Professor Nair smiled.
“Time’s up.” “Each table will now choose one representative.” Before I could say anything…
The engineering student pointed toward me.
“I think Vena should present.” Maya nodded immediately.
“I agree.” Rohan smiled.
“She organized all our ideas.” The biotechnology student added, “And she explains concepts clearly.” I blinked in surprise.
“Are you sure?” The entire table nodded.
As I stood…
Walking toward the front of the workshop hall…
I realized something.
Yesterday…
I was afraid of speaking before my own college.
Today…
Students from colleges I had met only thirty minutes ago…
Had trusted me to speak on behalf of all of them.
Taking a slow breath…
I stepped onto the small stage.
Professor Nair smiled.
“Whenever you’re ready.” I looked at the audience…
Then at my teammates.
They all gave me an encouraging nod.
I smiled back.
And began…
Professor Nair stepped aside.
The microphone stood in front of me.
The workshop hall fell completely silent.
Nearly a hundred students looked toward the stage.
For a brief moment…
My hands felt cold.
“Don’t panic…” “Just explain it the way you normally would.” I took a slow breath.
Then began.
“Good afternoon, everyone.” “My name is Vena.” “Our team was asked to design an affordable way to provide safe drinking water in flood-affected villages.” I glanced at my teammates.
They smiled encouragingly.
My nervousness slowly faded.
“We realized something…” “There isn’t one perfect solution.” “So instead of depending on a single method…” “We decided to combine several simple techniques.” I picked up the marker.
On the whiteboard, I quickly drew a simple flow diagram.
Cloth Filtration → Sand & Charcoal Filter → Boiling or Solar Disinfection I continued, “Most flood-affected villages don’t have expensive purification systems.” “So our idea uses materials that are commonly available.” “Clean cloth.” “Sand.” “Gravel.” “Charcoal.” “And finally…” “Heat from boiling…” “Or sunlight using transparent bottles.” The audience watched attentively.
No one interrupted.
I continued, “This process doesn’t remove every possible contaminant…” “But it can significantly reduce harmful particles and microorganisms.” “The goal isn’t to create a perfect laboratory solution.” “It’s to create something…” “…that ordinary families can actually use.” Several students nodded.
A professor quietly wrote something in his notebook.
After a few more minutes…
I finished.
“Thank you.” The room remained silent…
For just a second.
Then…
Applause echoed throughout the hall.
Not loud.
But genuine.
I smiled with relief.
Professor Nair stepped forward.
“Excellent presentation.” “What impressed me most…” “…wasn’t only the idea.” He looked toward the audience.
“It was the way the solution was explained.” “A good scientist…” “…must also be a good communicator.” I lowered my head politely.
“Thank you, sir.” A student from another table raised his hand.
“May I ask a question?” “Of course,” Professor Nair replied.
The student looked at Vena.
“If people don’t have charcoal…” “What alternative would you suggest?” I thought for a moment.
“Activated charcoal is ideal.” “But if it’s unavailable…” “I’d focus on improving sediment removal first…” “Then prioritize boiling.” “The exact method may change…” “But the principle remains the same—” “Use the safest resources available locally.” The student nodded.
“That makes sense.” Another participant asked, “Would children be able to understand this process?” I smiled.
“Only if we teach it simply.” “Knowledge becomes useful…” “…only when everyone can understand it.” Professor Nair smiled again.
“Very well answered.” As Vena stepped down from the stage…
Her teammates welcomed her with bright smiles.
Maya gave her a thumbs-up.
“You were amazing.” The engineering student laughed.
“I’m glad we chose you.” Rohan nodded.
“You explained exactly what we wanted to say.” I smiled shyly.
“It was our team’s work.” “Not mine.” Rohan chuckled.
“See?” “That’s another reason you were the right choice.” At the back of the hall…
Ayaan had quietly watched the entire presentation.
Standing beside him…
Was one of the symposium organizers.
The organizer spoke softly.
“So…” “This is the student whose presentation was moved to the Main Academic Hall.” Ayaan nodded.
“Yes.” The organizer folded his arms.
“It seems…” “Our decision was the right one.” Ayaan’s eyes remained on Vena as she laughed with her teammates.
“Tomorrow…” He said quietly, “She’ll have a much bigger audience.” “And I have a feeling…” “…she’s going to surprise them too.” The workshop officially came to an end.
Students from different tables exchanged handshakes before leaving.
“It was nice working with you.” “You too.” “Good luck tomorrow.” Our table slowly dispersed.
Maya walked beside me.
“I was nervous when the session started.” “But after working together…” “I forgot we were from different colleges.” I smiled.
“I felt the same.” Rohan adjusted his backpack.
“I hope we end up on the same team again someday.” Kabir immediately replied, “As long as there isn’t a written test first.” Everyone laughed.
Outside…
The afternoon sun had begun to soften.
The university courtyard was still crowded.
Some students visited the exhibition stalls.
Others took photographs in front of the symposium banner.
Kabir looked around excitedly.
“We can’t leave without taking one picture.” Riya smiled.
“You and your photos.” “Years later…” “You’ll thank me.” They stood beneath the large symposium banner.
Kabir handed his phone to a volunteer.
“Please take one.” The volunteer nodded.
“Ready?” Everyone gathered together.
Maya stood beside Ananya.
Rohan stood near Kabir.
Vena found herself standing beside Arther.
“Three…” “Two…” “One…” Click.
A simple photograph.
Nothing extraordinary.
Just students…
Enjoying the first day of a memorable event.
As they thanked the volunteer…
A familiar voice called out.
“Miss Vena?” She turned around.
It was Ayaan.
He carried a small folder.
“I’ve been looking for you.” He handed her a printed schedule.
“The organizing committee finalized tomorrow’s order.” He pointed to the first line.
Presentation Hall – Session One Presenter Number: 1 Vena looked surprised.
“…I’m first?” Ayaan nodded.
“I’m afraid so.” Kabir blinked.
“They’re making you go first?” Ayaan smiled apologetically.
“The schedule was decided by the committee.” Professor Mehta looked at the sheet.
“Being first isn’t a disadvantage.” He smiled at Vena.
“It means…” “You’ll set the standard for everyone after you.” Those words eased my nervousness a little.
The college bus was ready to leave.
Participants slowly boarded one by one.
As I stepped onto the bus…
I looked back at the university building.
Tomorrow…
I would stand in the Main Academic Hall.
In front of professors…
Researchers…
And students from dozens of colleges.
The thought made my heart race.
The journey back was quieter than the morning.
Most students were tired.
Kabir was the first to break the silence.
“So…” “What’s everyone doing tonight?” Riya answered immediately.
“Sleeping early.” Ananya nodded.
“And revising a little.” Kabir looked at Vena.
“And you?” I smiled.
“I’ll read through my notes once…” “Then I’ll stop.” Arther looked toward the window.
“Good.” “The worst preparation…” “…is overthinking the night before.” Professor Mehta smiled from the front seat.
“I couldn’t have said it better myself.” As the bus entered the city…
The college lights slowly appeared in the distance.
It had been only one day.
Yet…
It felt as though I had learned more than I had expected.
Not just about science.
But about confidence.
Friendship.
And trusting myself.
Far away…
In a quiet office inside the symposium campus…
One organizer placed several participant evaluation forms on a desk.
Another professor picked up Vena’s form.
He noticed something unusual.
Every evaluator…
Had written the same comment.
“Excellent communication skills.” The professor smiled.
“Interesting…” He closed the file.
“Let’s see…” “…whether she can impress the Main Academic Hall tomorrow as well.” Outside the office window…
The university campus had fallen silent.
But tomorrow…
The real challenge would begin.
It was about taking the first step into a much bigger world.
Until now, Vena’s journey has mostly been inside her own college, surrounded by people who slowly began trusting her.
But from this chapter onward, her world starts expanding.
New faces, new rivals, new mentors, and new opportunities will continue to appear.
Some readers may wonder why there wasn’t a major fight or shocking revelation in this chapter.
The answer is simple.
A tree doesn’t bear fruit the day it’s planted.
Before a storm arrives, there is always a moment of calm.
The symposium is that calm.
But don’t mistake calm for safety.
Many people have now noticed Vena—not only because of her knowledge, but because of the way she inspires others.
Sometimes, being noticed is the beginning of both opportunity…
and danger.
You also met a few new characters.
Some will become important.
Some may disappear after fulfilling their role.
And a few…
are hiding intentions that haven’t been revealed yet.
The biggest challenge, however, still lies ahead.
Tomorrow, Vena won’t be speaking in front of a classroom.
She’ll stand before an entire hall filled with students, professors, and researchers.
Will she simply deliver a good presentation?
Or will tomorrow become the moment that changes her future forever?
We’ll find out in Chapter 19.
Creation is hard, cheer me up!
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