#Five Years Ago
[Scene: The roof of Aetherion Academy. Kael sits on the edge, his legs dangling, tearing into a piece of bread. The sky above is painted with soft hues of twilight.]
Kael:(sighing, looking out over the academy)
"Haaa... Why am I the only one with no power?!"
(Takes another bite of bread, chewing slowly.)
"So what if I don't have any magic? I've beaten plenty of people with pure strength... but no matter how many times I prove myself, it's still not enough."
[Close-up: Kael's face, a mix of frustration and defiance.]
Kael (thinking):
Back then, when I was born, the Raiden family celebrated me like I was destined to change the world. The son of two of the strongest warriors alive... Everyone thought I'd awaken powers beyond belief.
But at the Awakening Ceremony... nothing. When I touched the Awakener Stone, it stayed cold and lifeless. From that moment on, I wasn't just powerless—I was worthless to them.
[Panel: A young Kael at age five, surrounded by judgmental stares. His father looks away; his sister receives the family crest instead.]
Kael (thinking):
They handed the title of heir to my sister. Not that I cared—I never wanted to lead the family. I just wanted to protect them... and to be loved.
#Back to the Arena —
[Wide shot: A massive coliseum filled with roaring students. The announcer's voice booms through magical amplifiers.]
Announcer:
"Attention all students! The moment you've been waiting for... the Final Fight to determine the strongest and the representative of the first-year students in our magnificent Aetherion Academyyyyyy!"
[Close-up: Kael, sitting on the academy roof, hears the announcement. He smirks.]
Kael:
"So, it's time."
[Arena shot: The crowd cheers as the announcer introduces the first finalist.]
Announcer:
"Introducing first! From one of the seven legendary clans... Ryuji Kenshirooooo!"
[Scene: Ryuji enters the arena, riding on his flying sword. He leaps off with a flourish, snapping his fingers. His sword descends from the heavens, embedding itself into the ground with a deafening crash, leaving a crater in its wake. He sits casually atop the hilt, smirking.]
Crowd:
"Ryuji! Ryuji! Ryuji!"
[Close-up: Ryuji's father watching proudly from the VIP stands.]
Ryuji's Father:
"Hah! That's my son."
Announcer:
"And now, the second finalist! From another of the seven legendary clans... Kael Raiden!"
[The crowd looks around, confused. Murmurs spread.]
Crowd Member 1:
"Where is he?"
Crowd Member 2:
"Isn't he the guy with no powers? How did he even make it this far?"
[Suddenly, a voice echoes from above.]
Kael:(shouting with a smirk)
"Looking for me? I'm up here!"
[Scene: Kael free-falls from the sky, hands casually in his pockets. He lands with a thunderous crash, the ground beneath him cracking. The arena shakes slightly.]
Crowd (in shock):
"H-How did he jump that high without magic?!"
Crowd Member 3:
"They say he's ridiculously strong, but this... this is insane!"
[Five minutes earlier – flashback to Kael atop the academy roof.]
Kael (thinking):
The arena's not far, but walking feels like too much effort. If I jump... the roof might crack a little... oh well.
[Panel: Kael crouches slightly, then launches himself with immense force, shattering the tiles beneath him. The scene transitions back to the present.]
#The Fight Begins
[The announcer explains the rules.]
Announcer:
"You may give up at any time. If you're knocked out, you lose. Officials will intervene if your life is in danger. Now... let the fight begin!"
Ryuji (grinning):
"I know you're strong, Kael. But raw strength won't be enough to beat me."
Kael (calmly):
"We'll see."
[Scene: Ryuji dashes forward, his speed breaking the sound barrier. He swings his sword ten times in a blink, shouting:
"Ten Slasher!"
[Close-up: Kael remains motionless as Ryuji attacks. Suddenly, Ryuji notices Kael behind him.]
Ryuji (thinking in panic):
What?! How did he...
[Before Ryuji can react, Kael's fist connects with his chest. The arena shakes violently as the impact creates a shockwave, filling the area with smoke.]
[Panel: The smoke clears, revealing Ryuji unconscious on the ground. Kael stands over him, hands still in his pockets.]
Crowd (stunned silence, then erupting):
"HE WON! HE WON!"
Announcer (in disbelief):
"The winner... is Kael Raiden! And the new first-year representative—"
Kael (interrupting):
"Pass. I'm not interested."
Crowd (shocked):
"WHAT?!"
#Principal's Presence
[Scene: The principal, radiating an overwhelming aura, stands from his seat. Everyone except Kael collapses under the pressure.]
Principal (thinking):
This boy... he's withstanding my presence without magic?!
Principal:
"What do you want, boy?"
Kael:
"I... quit."
[The crowd erupts in chaos as Kael walks away.]
#Present Day —
Mysterious Awakening
[Scene: Kael wakes up in a forest, unscathed.]
Kael (thinking):
What was that place? Was it real?
[He closes his eyes, focusing. When they open, dark energy crackles around his fist.]
Kael (smirking):
"So it wasn't a dream... this isn't just darkness. It's... Absolute Darkness."
[Final panel: Kael, with a confident grin, holding the pure black energy in his hand.]
To Be Continued...