Scene 1: The Aftermath of Duskveil
A blood-red sunset paints the skies over the battlefield of Duskveil.
A man sits slumped against a rock, a massive black sphere—19 feet in diameter—piercing through his chest. His lifeless body emanates an ominous aura.
Before the corpse, a boy, Liu Ming, stands expressionless. His shadow stretches long in the dim light.
Kafka, a battle-worn soldier, approaches cautiously, his armor battered.
Kafka: "I'm truly sorry for your father's death, Liu Ming."
Liu Ming (calmly): "I'm not sad for him. I'm only thinking of how to achieve immortality."
He turns, his eyes gleaming with an unsettling ambition. "I will become the ultimate window to power."
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Scene 2: Seven Years Later
Now 17, Liu Ming lies under a sprawling tree, resting with his arms behind his head. The serene environment contrasts with the storm within his mind.
Liu Ming (to himself): "A portal... I've finally found it. The key to worlds beyond."
He rises, determination radiating from him, and begins his journey to a hidden cave.
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Scene 3: The Portal's Guardians
Liu Ming ventures deep into a cavern, his footsteps echoing. The air thickens with an arcane energy.
He reaches a massive chamber, its centerpiece a towering portal, swirling with hues of blue and gold. Statues of grotesque goblins flank the room.
As Liu Ming approaches, the statues come alive, their eyes glowing crimson.
Liu Ming (smirking): "So, you're the guardians. I admire your courage, but it will be your undoing."
The goblins charge, weapons raised.
Liu Ming calmly extends his hand. Flames coil around his fingers like serpents.
Liu Ming (coldly): "Burn to ashes."
With a roar, a massive inferno engulfs the goblins. Their screams echo as they are reduced to smoldering remains.
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Scene 4: The Portal's Threshold
Breathing steadily, Liu Ming steps toward the portal. Its energy hums, resonating with his own power.
As he crosses its threshold, the chamber begins to tremble.
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Final Panel:
A split-screen close-up:
Left Side: Liu Ming's face, his expression cold and calculating.
Right Side: The face of a monstrous, otherworldly creature, its eyes burning with malevolence.