Scene 1: Academy Training Grounds (Pages 1–5)
Scene: Days later. Zeru spars with Kael, their blades clashing under the morning sun.
Kael (grinning):
"You're still sluggish, Zeru. Guess that Nova Art burned out more than your mana."
Zeru (panting, forcing a smile):
"Shut up… I'll catch up."
Lira (arms crossed, watching):
"He's pushing himself too soon again."
Hana (worried):
"…He's trying to hide how much pain he's in."
Scene 2: The Nullborn Whisper (Pages 6–9)
Scene: A cavern lit by eerie crystals. Two cloaked figures kneel before a massive shadow.
Shadow Entity:
"The Phoenix Flame awakened too early… yet the boy wields it."
Cloaked Figure 1:
"He is the key, master. The last chain weakens."
Cloaked Figure 2:
"Shall we move to claim him?"
Shadow Entity:
"Not yet. Let him believe in his strength. Then… we shatter him."
Scene 3: Squad Quarters (Pages 10–13)
Scene: Golden Crest members relax after drills.
Darius (stretching):
"Man, I need a feast."
Kael (mocking):
"You always need a feast."
Hana (glancing at Zeru):
"Zeru… are you sure you're okay?"
Zeru (quietly):
"…My mana feels different now. Like it's not just mine anymore."
The room goes silent.
Scene 4: The Ambush (Pages 14–18)
Scene: On their way back from patrol, masked Nullborn cultists surround the squad.
Cultist Leader:
"There he is… the vessel."
Zeru (eyes wide):
"…Vessel?"
Kael (drawing weapon):
"Tch. I don't like the sound of that."
The cultists chant, dark energy swirling.
Cultist Leader:
"The chains weaken. Tonight, the boy begins his unraveling."
Zeru trembles, heat rushing through him.
Zeru (thinking, panicked):
"This power again… it's trying to break free!"
End Chapter 16.