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Chapter 5 - "The First Trial: Phantom’s Shadow"

Phantom Ashes – Episode 5

Scene 1: "Morning Tension"

Setting: Phantom Guild Dorms → Reception Area

Narration:

"A new day had dawned... and another test awaited the trainees."

Ren and Zeno have finished brushing and are getting ready.

Ren (smiling):

"Zeno, you're ready, right?"

Zeno (light smirk):

"Always."

Both walk down the hallway towards the Reception.

Ren talks to the receptionist.

Ren:

"Excuse me, I wanted to meet Mr. Rael. Where can I find him?"

The receptionist replies politely but firmly.

Receptionist:

"Sorry, Mr. Rael is currently in the Guildmaster Kaien Voss's office. Please try later."

Ren and Zeno look at each other, a little amused.

Both give the receptionist a slight smile and turn back.

Ren (grinning):

"No worries, we'll meet him later."

Narration:

"There wasn't much time for talk... the real game was yet to begin."

Scene 2: "Egos and Silence"

Setting: Phantom Guild – First Floor Arena Assembly Area

Narration:

"18 teams... all gathered in one place. Every face hiding a story."

Grake and his partner enter the hall confidently.

Ren and Zeno quietly walk in — calm and composed.

Grake sees them and approaches with a slightly arrogant attitude.

Grake (smirking):

"Gotta admit, you two passed..."

Grake (laughs):

"But let's see if you survive the first round!"

Zeno doesn't say anything, just watches calmly. Ren gives a light smile.

Ren and Zeno exchange a subtle nod.

Both ignore Grake and walk away with relaxed smiles.

Grake looks shocked and confused.

Grake (thinking, frustrated):

"No reply? And they just walked off smiling?!"

Narration:

"Sometimes words aren't needed for a reply... a smile alone can be enough."

Scene 3: "Phantom's Shadow Appears"

Setting: Arena Hall – Front Stage

Mr. Rael steps onto the stage; all trainees become alert.

Mr. Rael:

"Everyone, listen carefully. The real part of your tests is about to begin."

The large doors behind open slowly with dramatic lighting.

SFX: KREEEEEK...

A tall silhouette enters wearing a long coat, calm aura. All trainees fall silent.

Narration:

"The name heard only in legends... today stood before them."

Mr. Rael gestures towards the figure.

Mr. Rael:

"Trainees... meet your Guildmaster – Kaien Voss."

Close-up of Kaien Voss – intense eyes, battle scar, powerful presence.

Narration:

"This is the Phantom Guild's head – a name that speaks for itself."

Kaien steps forward, voice calm but deep.

Kaien Voss:

"Strength... anyone can learn it.

But control and purpose... only a chosen few achieve."

Kaien looks at the trainees, fire in his eyes.

Kaien Voss:

"In the first and second rounds... I will personally test you. Let's see who's truly worthy."

Scene 4: "The Calm Before the Storm"

Setting: Phantom Guild – Arena Floor (same stage area)

Grake stands with arms folded, arrogant but calm smile on his face.

Narration:

"Some people celebrate even before the victory..."

Overconfidence clearly visible in Grake's eyes.

Grake (smirking):

"Let's see who stands out."

Cut to Ren and Zeno – both quietly look at each other.

Subtle confident smiles on Ren and Zeno's faces.

Narration:

"Sometimes silence is the greatest answer."

Wide shot – all 18 teams stand in their positions, serious and focused.

Narration:

"The trainees were ready... but they still didn't know what the real test would be."

Close-up of Kaien Voss – face calm, but eyes sharp with intensity.

Narration:

"Kaien Voss... was observing everything. His single look was enough to create tension."

Final screen slowly fades out, scene dims.

Text on screen (fade out):

"To be continued..."

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