Chapter 15: "First Step Into Darkness"
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Scene 1: Early Morning – Academy Courtyard
Hayashi stands alone on the rooftop of the academy. The breeze is cool, but the storm inside his heart is far more turbulent.
He keeps thinking about Reinhardt's strange words from the night before.
Hayashi (thinking):
"Reinhardt… you're changing. But why? That look in your eyes… it was like burning jealousy..."
Just then, his system pings another notification:
> [System Alert]
"Divergence Level: Stage 1"
"Bond weakening: Reinhardt Draconis – Loyalty Drop Detected"
Hayashi's face turns serious. A low, somber piano tune begins to play in the background.
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Scene 2: Reinhardt's Room – Secret Packing
Reinhardt silently packs a bag. Inside — his dragonscale armor, forbidden scrolls, and a glowing red gem radiating dark demonic energy.
The door creaks open. Victoria enters.
Victoria:
"Reinhardt? You're up so early… where are you going?"
Reinhardt (with a slight smile):
"A little personal training mission. Please don't tell anyone..."
Victoria looks confused but doesn't say anything.
The camera slowly zooms in on the glowing gem.
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Scene 3: Shadow Forest – Entry Point
Reinhardt arrives at the forest's hidden gate. A shadowy figure awaits him — Zarek the Betrayer.
> Name: Zarek the Betrayer
Rank: Top 5 Demon General
Title: "The Shadow Whisperer"
Zarek:
"You feel it, don't you? This world fed you lies. Humans… they aren't heroes. They are the sickness."
Reinhardt:
"I don't trust demons… but I trust the truth."
Zarek (grinning):
"Then come. Walk into the abyss. Let it shape you."
Reinhardt steps into the darkness beside him.
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Scene 4: Academy – Alarm Triggered
Suddenly, Headmaster Alarion's Magitech Crystal glows red. A shrill alarm sounds.
Crystal Voice:
> "Unauthorized Exit – Code Red"
Hayashi and Iris are summoned immediately.
Headmaster:
"Reinhardt has crossed the border. We suspect contact with Zarek has occurred."
Iris (shocked):
"This… this is betrayal!"
Hayashi (furious):
"No. It's something deeper. I have to bring him back."
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Scene 5: Hayashi's Inner Conflict – Meditation Realm
That night, Hayashi meditates, linking his mind with the system's core.
Suddenly, a new skill unlocks:
> [Skill Unlocked]
"Foresight Thread – See fragments of destiny before they fall"
As the skill activates, horrifying visions flash before his eyes:
Reinhardt in demonic armor
Hayashi covered in blood
Alicia crying in the dark
Iris trapped in a black tower
Hayashi gasps and opens his eyes, drenched in sweat.
Hayashi (determined):
"I won't lose him. No matter what."
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Scene 6: Mission Briefing – Operation Soulbound
The next morning, Headmaster Alarion assembles a secret elite squad:
> Team: Operation Soulbound
Hayashi Leonhart (Leader)
Marianne Drayworth (Sword Specialist, A-1)
Sylvia Nightbloom (Shadow Specialist, B-1)
Professor Valeria (Supervisor)
First Appearance – Sylvia Nightbloom:
A mysterious girl walks in, draped in a dark cloak. Her footsteps are silent.
Eyes — cold grey. Her presence — unreadable.
Marianne (sarcastic):
"Wow. What a warm welcome."
Hayashi (thinking):
"This girl… she's hiding something."
Sylvia (coldly):
"I'm here for the mission. Not for friendship."
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Final Scene – Flying Ship Departure
The team boards a sleek flying ship. The camera pulls back in a cinematic wide shot.
Clouds move above. A storm brews in the distance.
Split Panel Montage:
Top View: Hayashi and his team on the ship — determination in their eyes
Bottom View: Reinhardt donning demon armor
Side View: Alicia staring at the sky from her dorm window
Overlay: Iris unconscious inside a dark cell
Cliffside – Zarek stands alone, his demon wings unfolding slowly
Zarek (whispering):
"Let the hunt begin... and let the Hero bleed for every bond he holds dear."
> [To Be Continued…]
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Written by: Vishnu (ashx07)
Support the Author | YouTube: ashikawax07
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