EXT. CALORIAN FOREST - NIGHT
In the eerie, moonlit forest of Caloria, Shin and Irene are locked in battle with a WOODEN-SKINNED HYBRID. The beast is massive, with gnarled, bark-like skin and glowing red eyes. After being struck by Irene's powerful Storm Caller technique, the hybrid stands back up as if nothing happened.
IRENE
(to herself, alarmed)
My attack didn't kill it… Must be a Tier C Hybrid.
The hybrid lets out a terrifying roar before darting toward Irene with incredible speed. She leaps over it, delivering a powerful kick to the back of its neck. But the hybrid grabs her leg mid-air and hurls her into a tree.
Before the hybrid can strike again, Shin intercepts with a vicious kick to its jaw, sending it crashing to the ground.
IRENE
(thinking, stunned)
He nearly broke that thing's jaw... and without using Aura?
SHIN
(concerned)
You alright? Can you move?
IRENE
Yeah, thanks.
The hybrid slowly rises again, growling more menacingly than before.
SHIN
So, how do we kill this thing?
IRENE
I thought it would go down after Storm Caller… but it's stronger than me. We need to keep it busy until my Aura regenerates.
SHIN
Got it.
(Both warriors take their stances. Irene is visibly frustrated as her Aura remains low.)
IRENE
(thinking)
Damn... If I hadn't used all my energy in that one move, I'd have more options.
The hybrid launches a flurry of punches at Shin, but he skillfully dodges each one. Irene seizes the opportunity, locking the creature's leg, and Shin delivers another powerful kick to its jaw, where it's most injured.
The hybrid, now enraged, releases a barrage of sharp branches from its body, shooting them like bullets. Shin and Irene narrowly dodge the onslaught, retreating behind a tree for cover.
IRENE
Shin, I need you to do something for me.
SHIN
What is it?
IRENE
Distract the hybrid. Head to its right-hand side. It'll change its attack direction, giving me an opening.
SHIN
Got it.
Shin sprints to the right, drawing the hybrid's attention as it shifts to target him. Irene, now glowing with Aura, steps out from behind the tree.
IRENE
(shouting)
APEX, AURORA BLAST!
A radiant white blast of energy surges from Irene, slamming into the hybrid and scorching its bark-like skin. The creature collapses in agony.
IRENE
That should do it.
SHIN
You alright?
IRENE
Yeah, great teamwork.
She reaches out for a high-five. Shin eyes her hand with a raised brow.
SHIN
A high-five? Now?
IRENE
First, you reject my handshake, and now the high-five? You're mean.
SHIN
Let's just get out of here.
But before they can leave, the hybrid slowly stands up again, growling with a feral intensity.
SHIN
(gritting his teeth)
Damn it, this thing's still alive.
Fueled by frustration, Shin charges at the hybrid, delivering rapid, brutal punches to its face.
SHIN
DIE, YOU BASTARD!
With each hit, the hybrid's movements slow until it finally collapses, lifeless. Irene watches in shock, her eyes wide.
IRENE
(thinking)
I've never seen a hybrid killed by someone without Aura...
She gazes at Shin, finally understanding the raw power he possesses. Shin stands over the hybrid, panting heavily.
IRENE
Hey... I think you got it.
SHIN
(snapping)
I can see that!
Irene cautiously approaches Shin, placing a hand on his shoulder. Suddenly, a soothing blue Aura surrounds Shin, healing his wounds.
SHIN
(confused)
What did you just do?
IRENE
I healed you with my Aura.
Shin glances at his now-healed hands, a mixture of surprise and relief on his face.
SHIN
Hey, sorry for… losing it back there. I didn't mean to scare you.
IRENE
It's alright. We're almost at the Frostbite Agency. Let's go.
Shin notices Irene is still visibly injured.
SHIN
Why didn't you heal yourself?
IRENE
I don't have enough Aura left to heal myself.
SHIN
(angrily)
You should've healed yourself first, idiot!
IRENE
You looked like you needed it more than I did.
SHIN
Whatever. Let's move.
---
INT. FROSTBITE AGENCY DORMITORY - NIGHT
Shin and Irene enter the dormitory of the Frostbite Agency. Inside, several members are seated at a large table, playing cards. The room quiets as they enter. SUGAI stands up to greet them.
SUGAI
Everyone, this is Shin. Shin, meet the crew.
The members exchange glances. TARYN, a girl with black and pink hair, karate-chops Sugai on the head.
TARYN
What kind of introduction is that, mentor?
Sugai rubs his head sheepishly as Taryn steps forward to introduce herself.
TARYN
I'm Taryn Holloway.
ALLAN
Allan Sullivan.
RUBEN
And I'm Ruben Venus. Welcome, man!
SHIN
Hi.
Allan, with short black hair, approaches Shin and stares him down, his face serious.
ALLAN
So, you're really an assassin?
SHIN
I was.
They exchange a tense silence before Allan raises his hand for a handshake.
ALLAN
Looking forward to working with you.
Shin shakes his hand. Irene pouts slightly.
IRENE
You shake his hand but wouldn't shake mine? You're so mean.
Taryn notices Irene's injuries and frowns.
TARYN
Irene, where did you get those injuries?
RUBEN
Yeah, you look like you got hit by a truck.
IRENE
We ran into a hybrid on the way here.
ALLAN
What Tier?
IRENE
Tier C.
RUBEN
(impressed)
Whoa, you took down a C-Tier hybrid? Nice!
Taryn tugs Ruben's ear, pulling him back.
TARYN
Calm down, you idiot.
Allan eyes Shin skeptically.
ALLAN
Why isn't he injured?
IRENE
I healed him. Actually, he delivered the finishing blow.
ALLAN
(thinking)
No Aura... and he killed a hybrid? Just with brute strength?
Ruben pats Shin on the shoulder, smiling widely.
RUBEN
You must be tired, man. Let me show you to your room.
As they leave the room, Allan pulls Sugai aside.
ALLAN
Are you sure about this? What if his clan sent him to kill us?
IRENE
(defensive)
He wouldn't do that! Shin's a good guy.
ALLAN
(sternly)
Don't get too attached, Irene. He's an assassin.
SUGAI
Don't worry, Allan. Shin's got his own goals. If he lied, though, I trust you'll take care of it.
---
INT. RUBEN AND SHIN'S ROOM - NIGHT
Ruben and Shin arrive at their shared room. It's small but comfortable, with two beds stacked in bunk style.
SHIN
It's bigger than I expected.
RUBEN
Yeah, pretty nice, huh?
Shin notices there are two beds.
SHIN
Why are there two beds?
RUBEN
The top one's mine. You'll be sleeping on the bottom.
SHIN
Why didn't you sleep on the top before?
RUBEN
It would've been weird with no one below me, don't you think?
SHIN
I guess.
Taryn pops her head in through the open door.
TARYN
Hey, Shin, the Agency maids want to see you.
SHIN
Maids? What for?
TARYN
They said something about giving you a welcome special treatment.
Shin's eyebrows raise in surprise.
SHIN
I'm coming.
He leaves with Taryn as Ruben waves him off with a grin.
TO BE CONTINUED
--
[Introducing the characters]
Name: IRENE MORRIGAN
Age: 16
Appearance: Irene has striking white hair that contrasts with her gentle, sky-blue eyes. She wears the sleek blue uniform of the Frostbite Agency, giving her an aura of professionalism and calm.
Personality: Irene is a kind-hearted individual, always radiating warmth and positivity. She believes strongly in the power of teamwork, consistently encouraging those around her to collaborate and uplift each other. Her compassion makes her a natural leader and a beloved ally.