Early Morning, Astria AcademyScene: A wide establishing shot of Astria Village – a lush valley surrounded by peaks and shimmering mana streams. Birds fly over the large academy at its center: Astria Academy.
Narration (Zeru):
"Two weeks. That's all that stands between me and the Spirit Weapon Ceremony… and maybe… a real future."
Scene: Inside a dorm room. Zeru sits on the edge of his bed, sweat on his brow. A faint cosmic shimmer glows on his fingertips, then fades.
Zeru (thinking):
"Still unstable… I'm barely able to channel Galaxy Creation Magic for more than a few seconds. Pathetic."
Page 3–4: Cafeteria Scene – Squad BanterScene: Zeru walks into the academy's cafeteria. His squad, Golden Crest, is gathered:
Kael – Fire user, cocky, red dreadlocks, sleeveless jacket.
Naya – Calm, silver-haired girl, Wind magic, always observing.
Gorin – Earth tank, bulky and quiet, soft spot for flowers.
Sera – Energetic healer, freckles, twin daggers on her belt.
Lian – Strategist, wears glasses, Lightning user.
Toru – Archer, blunt, obsidian eyes, uses sharp sarcasm.
Mira – Illusion magic, aloof, talks to her cat spirit.
Kael (grinning):
"Zeru! You still glowing like a star or did you finally burn out?"
Sera:
"Ignore him. You doing okay, Zeru? You looked pale yesterday."
Zeru:
"I'm fine. Just… pushing myself. That's all."
Naya (quietly):
"You're not. We all know something's off."
Page 5–6: Training Field – A Harsh LessonScene: Outside at the training field. Students from multiple squads are present. Master Giyen, an older instructor with a jagged scar and a massive Spirit Axe, steps forward.
Giyen:
"Alright, kids. You know what's coming — the Spirit Weapon Ceremony. Some of you will awaken blades. Some bows. Some... nothing."
"So, train like it's your last week alive."
He snaps his fingers. Magic barriers rise. A mock battle begins.
Scene: Zeru vs. Lian (Lightning magic).
Lian:
"Let's see if your Galaxy magic can actually shine, Starboy."
Zeru clenches his fist. A spiral of light forms in his hand — then sputters.
Zeru (thinking):
"No—! Not now—!"
Lian strikes with a bolt. Zeru barely dodges. Smoke rises.
Page 7–8: Aftermath – A Harsh TalkScene: Zeru sits alone on a rock, bruised. Naya approaches quietly.
Naya:
"That wasn't just a slip, was it?"
Zeru:
"…Seven years ago. My parents gave up everything to stop the Nullborn attack. But they didn't just sacrifice themselves…"
He clenches his fist again. A tiny spark of cosmic energy flickers.
Zeru:
"They used my mana. All of it. I survived, but my core… it never recovered."
Naya:
"That's why you collapse when you push too hard."
Zeru:
"I can't even form a full construct. What's the point of a Creation Mage who can't create?"
Naya (firmly):
"Then rebuild. Bit by bit. You're not alone."
Page 9–10: Council Chambers – Brewing TensionScene: A dim, high-ceiling room. Three village elders stand over a magic map. A dark aura pulses on the edges.
Elder 1:
"There are disturbances near the Hollow Ridge. Nullborn traces… again."
Elder 2:
"If they resurface before the ceremony, we'll be sending children to their deaths."
Elder 3:
"Not children. Soldiers. Like the last generation."
Page 11–12: Dorm Room – Zeru ReflectsScene: Zeru writes in a small notebook, pages filled with sketches of weapons, stars, symbols. He pauses and stares out the window.
Zeru (thinking):
"What kind of weapon will I receive? A blade? A bow? Or… nothing at all?"
Scene: His reflection flickers. For just a second, it looks like him… older, cloaked in flame and starlight. He blinks. Gone.
Page 13–14: Night Mission OrdersScene: The next day. Giyen hands a sealed scroll to the squad.
Giyen:
"Golden Crest — night patrol, northern boundary. Nullborn sightings. Treat it as a C-class recon, but stay sharp."
Kael (pumped):
"Now we're talking!"
Sera (nervous):
"Before the ceremony? Isn't that risky?"
Giyen:
"War doesn't wait for your birthdays."
Page 15: Final Panel – CliffhangerScene: Nightfall. Golden Crest moves silently through a forest trail. Zeru holds a faint orb of galaxy light in his palm to guide the way.
Zeru (narration):
"I was two weeks from the ceremony. Two weeks from my weapon… my fate."
"But I didn't know… I'd come face to face with death before I ever touched it."