Supernatural Girls

Deep within the mountains of Tibet lies a secret realm, long forgotten by the outside world. Legend tells of this place, where remnants of ancient times remain, and where gods once left behind powerful forces. Amid swirling clouds and mist, a mysterious academy stands in silence. It has no doors and no visible pathways, making it impossible for the outside world to find. Only young individuals with unique talents can sense its existence and step into this hidden realm. Their supernatural abilities may come from family lineage or the awakening of ancient powers. Yet, the academy is no paradise. The entrance exams are perilous, and the trials for graduation even more daunting. Those who fail may become lost forever, with no hope of return; even those who manage to survive may not endure the ultimate tests of fate. This place is known to the world as the "Doorless Academy." ... In the peaceful town of Ping, Wenchuan, Sichuan, stood a long-established bakery. A wooden sign at the entrance bore the words "Ping Bakery," and the locals loved to come for its delicious bread and reasonable prices. The owner, affectionately called "Grandma Annie" by the townspeople, was over seventy years old and originally from Beijing. She had taught in the small town for over thirty years and lived with her only family, her granddaughter, Ann. Together, they ran the bakery and relied on each other for support. Ann was a quiet, steady girl, her long black hair usually tied in a simple ponytail as she helped in the bakery. She was about to graduate high school, but unlike her peers, she had been homeschooled by her grandmother. Though curious, the townsfolk respected Grandma Annie’s knowledge and never questioned why Ann stayed home. To outsiders, Ann seemed like an ordinary girl. But she had known since childhood that she was different. When her emotions fluctuated, electricity would surge from her fingertips, snaking around her like silver serpents, flashing blue and white. The surrounding air would buzz with energy. Ann first discovered her abilities at the age of three. On a sunny afternoon, she reached out to catch a butterfly in their yard. Suddenly, a spark of lightning shot from her fingertips, freezing the butterfly in midair as if time had stopped. Grandma Annie witnessed the event, her face turning serious. She took Ann’s small hand and said, "Ann, the world is not kind to those who are different. You must learn to hide your powers and control them. No one must know." Though young Ann didn’t fully understand, from that day forward, she learned to conceal her abilities. One of Ann’s few friends was a lively girl named Yu, who often helped out at the bakery after school. Yu would share stories from school, filling the shop with laughter. Though Ann’s life was isolated, it was never lonely. As time passed, Ann’s life remained calm. She secretly wished her powers would vanish, allowing her to live a carefree life like other girls her age—going to the movies, eating street food, camping, and gossiping about crushes. But deep down, she felt her powers growing stronger. Late at night, she would feel electricity surging within her, her fingers occasionally sparking without her realizing. On Ann’s eighteenth birthday, the day coincided with Ping Town’s annual "Sarang Festival." The festival dated back to ancient times when people believed deities controlled the weather and harvests. To seek blessings, they held grand ceremonies once a year. The town celebrated with parades, offerings, and fireworks, and a temporary stage was set up for performances. At the center of the square, elders prayed at an altar for good weather. The highlight of the night was the fireworks display, during which the town’s electricity was shut off, leaving only the colorful lights to illuminate the sky. As evening approached, the bakery was unusually quiet, with most of the town gathered in the square. Yu bounced into the bakery with a beaming smile and a handful of balloons. “Yu, what’s got you so excited?” Ann asked, cleaning the bakery’s windows. “It’s such a beautiful day! And I’ve got a birthday gift for you! Let’s go to the square. The fireworks are going to be amazing this year!” Yu said enthusiastically. Ann hesitated, glancing at her grandmother, who was busy counting the day’s earnings. "I should help Grandma..." "Go on, dear," Grandma Annie said gently from behind the counter. “Just don’t stay out too late.” Tempted, Ann decided to join. The bakery’s cat, Pineapple Bun, darted out from the backyard and jumped into Ann’s arms. Together, the three of them headed to the square. The town square was alive with festivity. Adults danced on stage while children played, their laughter filling the air. Ann and Yu bought candy and enjoyed the lively atmosphere. As night fell, the fireworks began, painting the sky with brilliant colors. But something was wrong. Ann felt a surge of restlessness within her. Electricity crackled through her body, beads of sweat forming on her palms. Her heartbeat synced with the fireworks in the sky. She clenched her fists, struggling to contain her powers, but the sensation grew stronger. Suddenly, a thunderclap tore through the sky. The crowd fell silent, watching as dark clouds rapidly gathered. Yu, startled by the thunder, was about to speak when Ann grabbed her arm. “I… I don’t feel right…” Ann's voice shook. Unaware of Ann’s distress, Yu giggled. “It’s so exciting! It’s perfect weather for dancing in the rain!” Ann’s heartbeat raced, and Pineapple Bun leapt from her arms, running toward the edge of the square. "Pineapple Bun!" Yu shouted, chasing after the cat. "Yu, no! Something’s wrong!" Ann shouted, but it was too late. Lightning shot from her fingertips, striking the sky. Thunder roared as electricity swirled around her, lighting the square in a blinding blue-white flash. People screamed and scattered. Ann’s electrical field expanded uncontrollably, crackling with deadly voltage. The crowd couldn’t escape fast enough, and many collapsed. Yu lay on the ground, unconscious. "Yu… I didn’t mean to…" Ann’s body froze, her legs heavy as lead. The thunderstorm she had created raged around her, trapping her in a vortex of electricity. Fear and panic engulfed her as her vision blurred. The storm intensified, rain pouring down. Ann stood like a silver statue in the chaos, her power spiraling out of control. Townspeople cowered in fear, and Yu’s parents cried out but could not reach their daughter. Just as Ann was about to lose consciousness, a small, familiar figure appeared, embracing her tightly. "Don’t be afraid, child..." The voice was faint, almost drowned out by the storm. It was Grandma Annie. She held Ann close, her touch a reminder of countless comforting winter nights. Slowly, the electricity around Ann began to fade, and the thunder subsided, leaving only the sound of rain. “Grandma… tomorrow will be better...” Ann whispered, pulling back to meet her grandmother’s eyes. But Grandma Annie didn’t respond. Her hand slipped away, and her body crumpled to the ground. She had quietly passed away.