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Chapter 4 - "Underground Arena Challenge Begins"

Phantom Ashes – Episode 4

Scene 1: "Underground Arena Challenge Begins"

Setting: Phantom Guild Association – First Floor, Hidden Arena Zone

Mr. Rael leads all 66 trainees through a mysterious corridor. Everyone looks confused and curious.

Narration:

"Inside the Phantom Guild... was a secret floor where the real challenge was about to begin."

The trainees stand on a large circular platform. Mechanical panels are visible below. Mr. Rael stands in the center.

Mr. Rael:

"This is your first team challenge."

"All trainees must form a team of two."

Close-up on Mr. Rael's serious face.

Mr. Rael:

"The challenge is simple — reach the shining stone located on the largest rock at the center of the arena."

"The first team to reach it wins."

Mr. Rael pauses briefly, then speaks with a more intense voice.

Mr. Rael:

"But there's one strict rule... if even one member of your team gets trapped, your entire team is disqualified."

Close-up of a remote in Mr. Rael's hand. A glowing red button is under his thumb.

SFX: Click!

The ground begins to shake. From the center of the platform, the underground arena is revealed — full of rocks, sand, dust, hidden traps, and a glowing stone on the tallest rock.

Narration:

"A hidden arena was revealed... where every step held danger, and the shining stone symbolized success."

Ren and Zeno stand side by side. Ren looks a little excited, Zeno is calm and alert.

Ren (whispering):

"So, a team of two... that means we're together."

Zeno (nodding):

"Perfect. We'll have to cover each other. No mistakes."

Mr. Rael points toward the arena as he addresses the trainees.

Mr. Rael:

"Form your teams. You have five minutes. Then the deadly test begins."

A wide view shows trainees grouping into pairs. Some look nervous, others overconfident. The arena glows in the background.

Narration:

"66 trainees... 33 teams... one goal – reach the Shining Stone without falling into traps."

Scene 2: "Race to the Stone"

Setting: Underground Arena – The challenge begins

Grake approaches Ren and Zeno with a confident smirk.

Grake (teasing):

"Just stop here. If you enter, all you'll get is dirt and shame."

"My partner and I already have a plan. Don't even try to beat us."

Ren glares but says nothing. Zeno calmly looks at Grake.

Zeno (under his breath):

"Let's answer him with speed."

Grake confidently enters the arena with his teammate — clearly sure of victory.

Narration:

"Grake entered the arena with his ego — without a trace of fear."

Ren and Zeno glance at each other, nod slightly, then dash into the arena at full speed.

SFX: Dash!

Inside the arena, chaos breaks out. Some trainees fall into traps like collapsing floors, spikes, and rope snares.

Trainee 1 (shouting):

"Trap! Watch out!"

Mr. Rael stands on a high platform, calmly watching a handheld monitor.

Mr. Rael:

"Whoever gets trapped... OUT."

SFX: Buzzing sound – several trainee wristbands deactivate.

Ren and Zeno move with high agility, dodging obstacles — jumping, sliding, and running along walls. Dust swirls around them.

Narration:

"Each step Ren and Zeno took proved their speed and coordination."

Some teams have already reached the glowing stone and are gathered around the central rock.

Narration:

"Top teams had reached... and the race was in its final moments."

Ren and Zeno sprint at full speed, arriving just in time as the second-last team to touch the stone.

Ren (breathing hard):

"Phew... that was close!"

Zeno:

"Perfect timing."

The last team touches the stone. Mr. Rael blows a loud whistle.

SFX: Whistle!

Mr. Rael looks at the trainees and announces loudly.

Mr. Rael:

"15 teams were trapped... eliminated."

"18 teams reached the stone – you pass."

Close-up on Grake, visibly irritated that Ren and Zeno passed, but he says nothing. Ren gives a confident smile.

Narration:

"The challenge had ended… but the rivalries were still alive."

Scene 3: "Rooms and Reflections"

Setting: Phantom Guild – After the arena challenge

Mr. Rael stands before the trainees. They are tired but attentive.

Mr. Rael:

"The 18 passing teams... your rooms have been arranged on the third floor."

"Each team gets one room."

Grake smiles arrogantly, as if he's already on top. His teammate remains quiet beside him.

Narration:

"Everyone listened quietly... but a few faces showed overconfidence."

Mr. Rael gives one final serious instruction.

Mr. Rael:

"Tomorrow morning will be the first and second test. Be ready."

Ren and Zeno walk down the hallway toward their room — tired but content.

Ren:

"Zeno… do you ever get angry at Grake?"

Zeno looks at Ren with a calm expression.

Zeno:

"No."

Ren looks a little confused.

Ren:

"Why not?"

Zeno smiles slightly and speaks in a relaxed tone.

Zeno:

"Because he challenges us… and that boosts my confidence."

Ren looks impressed.

Ren:

"Oh… superb."

In the room, they both head to their beds. Zeno pulls up his blanket.

Zeno:

"By the way, you performed well today. You know that?"

Zeno turns to the side — Ren is already asleep, softly breathing.

Zeno (smiling):

"Hmph..."

Zeno closes his eyes too. The room lights dim. The scene slowly fades out.

Narration:

"And like that... the final moment of an intense day... became the beginning of a new tomorrow."

Text on screen (fade out):

"To be continued..."

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