[Panel 1]
A wide, cinematic shot of a heavy snowstorm at night. The blinding white headlights of a massive truck cut through the dark.
SFX: VROOOOM—!
SFX: SCREEE—!! (Sound of heavy brakes)
[Panel 2]
Close-up of Sheishi. He is huddled against a wall, his skin blue from the cold. He is shivering so hard his teeth are chattering.
Sheishi: "Sh-sh-shhh... It’s so cold... this thin hoodie.. it isn't enough to keep the frost away..."
[Panel 3]
The truck driver leans out his window, face twisted in a panicked rage.
Driver: "Hey! Get out of the road! Move it, kid! GET OUT OF THE WAY!"
[Panel 4]
Sheishi looks up, paralyzed by the light. Suddenly, a stray dog leaps from the shadows, slamming its shoulder into Sheishi to push him out of the lane.
SFX: THUD!
[Panel 5]
The truck hits the dog with a sickening sound. Sheishi watches from the snow, horrified.
SFX: CRACK-THUMP.
[Panel 6]
Sheishi crawls toward the dog, tears streaming down his face. The dog is motionless.
Sheishi: "Why, God? Why again?!"
Sheishi (Thinking): It’s a curse... Everybody who tries to protect me... they all end up dead!
Flashback: 3 Years Ago (Hunter Association)
[Panel 7]
Flashback effect (black borders). A younger Sheishi stands in a crowded hall filled with muscular, high-ranking hunters. He looks small and weak.
Random Hunter: "Hey, look at that loser. Isn't he the guy who always walks alone? The 'Weakest Hunter' in the city?"
[Panel 8]
A group of bullies towers over Sheishi. Suddenly, a beautiful girl with a powerful aura steps between them.
The Girl: "That's enough. Pick on someone who can actually fight back."
Sheishi (Thinking): That day... she saved me from them. She was like a goddess.
[Panel 9]
Sheishi is walking down a modern street. A transparent blue "System Window" floats in front of his eyes.
[Status Window]
Physical Strength: 1
Speed: 1
Durability: 1
Agility: 1
Mana/Magic: 200
Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.
(Note: This ability allows him to measure the power levels of others too.)
The Reunion
[Panel 10]
Sheishi spots the girl from the flashback walking toward him. He musters his courage to stop her.
Sheishi: "Excuse me! I... I wanted to thank you for saving me last time!"
[Panel 11]
The girl stops and smiles warmly.
Girl: "Oh! You’re the boy from that day! You can call me Heihma."
[Panel 12]
Sheishi (Bowing): "Heihma-san, thank you very much for your help. It meant a lot to me."
Heihma: "I was just doing my job as a hunter. By the way... what's your name?"
Sheishi: "My name is... Sheishi Purgatory."
[Panel 13]
Heihma checks her watch.
Heihma: "I have a mission to get to. See you around, Sheishi!"
Sheishi: "O-ok! Goodbye!"
Sheishi (Internal): She was so nice... and so strong.
Action: The Villain Assault
[Panel 14]
Sudden chaos. Explosions rock the city streets. A group of dark, magical villains appears from a portal.
Citizens: "Hunters! Save us! Please, someone help!"
[Panel 15]
Heihma arrives with two teammates. They look like a professional elite squad.
Yamui: Huge guy with a shield (Defense).
Gari: Calm girl with a staff (Healer).
Heihma: Leading the charge with her weapon (Combat Expert).
[Panel 16]
The Villain Leader sneers at them.
Villains: "Ugh, those bastard hunters! They’re always ruining the plan!"
Villain Leader: "Enough talk. You! Summon the beasts and tear them apart!"
[Panel 17]
Heihma lunges forward with incredible speed.
Heihma: "Like I'll let you!"
With one fluid motion, she strikes the summoner before he can finish his spell.
[Panel 18]
Sheishi is watching from behind a car, trembling.
Sheishi: "What a pain in the ass... Why does someone like me have to be stuck here?"
[Panel 19]
Sheishi sees the Villain Leader preparing a massive spell. He tries to run forward to help, but the Leader points his hand at him.
Villain Leader: "Steel Magic: Spear of Heaven!"
SFX: SHRIIII—! (The sound of metal forming in the air)
