Scene 1: Standoff (Pages 1–5)
Scene: Golden Crest stands firm, weapons drawn, facing a group of hooded cultists under the pale moonlight. The cultists remain calm, their leader stepping forward with a strange staff etched in runes.
Cultist Leader (calm tone):
"We are not here to fight. We only need to speak with Zeru."
Kael (gritting his teeth):
"Like hell you're walking past us."
Lira (eyes narrowed):
"What do you want with him?"
Cultist Leader (ignoring them, eyes on Zeru):
"You'll understand soon enough. Zeru… come with us."
Scene 2: Zeru's Decision (Pages 6–10)
Scene: Zeru lowers his blade, surprising his squad.
Zeru (quietly):
"…I'll go."
Kael (snapping):
"What?! Don't be stupid!"
Zeru (thinking):
"If I don't… they might hurt the others. If talking avoids a fight, then I'll hear them out."
Scene: Zeru steps toward the cultists despite his squad's protests.
Scene 3: The Trap (Pages 11–13)
Scene: As Zeru draws near, the cultist leader smirks and raises his staff.
Kael (sensing danger):
"Zeru, wait—!!"
Scene: A dark circle of runes ignites beneath Zeru's feet. Black chains shoot upward, coiling around his arms and torso.
Zeru (struggling):
"What—!? I can't break free!"
Cultist Leader (mocking smile):
"The vessel returns to us."
Scene 4: The Black Aura (Pages 14–18)
Scene: The aura engulfs Zeru entirely. His squad rushes forward, but the cultists chant in unison.
Lira (reaching out):
"No!!"
Scene: In a flash of shadow, Zeru and the cultists vanish, leaving only scorch marks and silence.
Scene 5: Aftermath (Pages 19–22)
Scene: Kael falls to his knees, slamming the ground in frustration.
Kael:
"Damn it… Zeru!!"
Lira (clutching her staff, trembling):
"They took him… and we couldn't stop them."
Hana (voice breaking but determined):
"Then we'll find them. We'll get him back, no matter what."
Final panel: The battlefield, empty except for Golden Crest… and the faint sound of chains echoing in the distance.
End Chapter 17.