Ancient Gods Manga

The story takes place in a modern Japan reshaped by the emergence of Manifestations—supernatural abilities that awakened suddenly a generation ago. At first, Manifested individuals were feared, hunted, and misunderstood. But as their numbers grew, governments were forced to adapt, creating strict systems to regulate, train, and monitor them. Society now lives in a tense balance: Manifested citizens walk the same streets as ordinary people, yet invisible lines divide them.

To manage this new reality, elite institutions like Reidō Academy were established. Part school, part military facility, part containment center, Reidō trains young Manifested students to control their powers while quietly assessing which ones might become threats. Behind its polished reputation lies a network of surveillance, political agendas, and secret research into unstable awakenings.The world outside the academy is no safer. Criminal syndicates exploit Manifested children, rogue operatives like Ryona Itadori challenge the government’s authority, and rumors spread of ancient bloodlines whose powers defy classification. Ordinary citizens live in awe and fear, unsure whether Manifestations are humanity’s evolution—or its downfall.

Amid this fragile landscape, a new generation rises: students with unstable abilities, hidden pasts, and destinies shaped by forces they don’t yet understand. And at the center of it all stands Toji Zenith, an unmanifested boy whose quiet presence hides a power older and more dangerous than the world is prepared for.

Langit masih ingat hari pertama ia bertemu Putri.
Hujan turun deras di kampung halaman mereka. Saat itu, ia baru saja pindah dari kota bersama orang tuanya. Anak-anak desa agak enggan mendekati bocah baru itu—terlalu pendiam, terlalu canggung. Tapi tidak dengan Putri.
“Namamu siapa?”
“...Langit.”
“Bagus. Aku Putri. Ayo main!”
Begitu saja, tanpa banyak basa-basi, Putri menarik tangan Langit dan membawanya ke tengah hujan. Mereka bermain lumpur, membuat sungai kecil dari aliran air, dan tertawa hingga langit berhenti menangis.
Sejak hari itu, mereka tak terpisahkan.
Tahun-tahun berlalu, dan mereka tetap dekat. Dari SD sampai sekarang di SMA. Mereka punya tempat rahasia di tengah hutan dekat rumah kakek Langit—sebuah batu besar di samping sungai, di mana mereka sering membayangkan jadi penjelajah, pemburu naga, atau bahkan penjaga dunia.
Namun, SMA membuat segalanya... berbeda.
Mereka masih bersama, tapi kini ada rasa asing yang tumbuh diam-diam.
Langit mulai sadar ia sering mencuri pandang saat Putri tertawa. Putri juga merasa jantungnya berdebar aneh setiap Langit memujinya, meski hanya soal tugas sekolah.
Tapi keduanya memilih diam. Mereka takut.
Takut kehilangan kenyamanan yang sudah bertahun-tahun mereka miliki.
Liburan panjang akhirnya tiba.
Langit mengajak Putri ke kampungnya, seperti dulu. Kakek Langit sudah lama tinggal sendiri, dan mereka sudah berjanji akan mengunjunginya lagi saat liburan datang.
“Tempat kita masih ada gak ya?” tanya Putri di perjalanan.
“Kalau belum tumbang dimakan waktu sih, masih. Kita bisa cek besok,” jawab Langit sambil tersenyum kecil.
Di malam hari, mereka duduk di beranda rumah kayu, menatap bintang. Suasana hening, nyaman... dan menggantung.
Putri ingin bilang sesuatu. Begitu juga Langit. Tapi tak satu pun dari mereka berani membuka suara lebih dulu.
Esok harinya, mereka masuk hutan.
Namun saat mereka menemukan jalan menuju tempat bermain dulu, mereka malah melihat sesuatu yang aneh: sebuah gubuk yang tak pernah ada sebelumnya. Terlihat tua, ditelan akar dan dedaunan, tapi... utuh. Seperti menunggu seseorang.
Mereka saling pandang.
“Kamu juga liat, kan?”
“Iya... harusnya di situ cuma ada batu besar.”
Rasa penasaran lebih kuat dari rasa takut.
Mereka masuk.
Dan di situlah mereka melihatnya: sebuah buku besar tergeletak di atas altar batu. Tidak berdebu. Tidak kotor. Seolah baru saja ditaruh.
Langit mendekat.
“Putri... kamu lihat ini?”
Putri mengangguk. Mereka mendekat bersamaan. Saat Langit menyentuh buku itu—halaman terbuka sendiri, mengeluarkan cahaya putih menyilaukan.
Mereka berteriak. Dunia berguncang.
Lalu semuanya gelap.

Long ago Dinosauras ruled the world until a meteor struck and a bunch of different magical animals climbed out of the hot fireball, only to start a war with the dinosaurs, leading them to extinction. Then these magical animals began to start their own advanced civilizations and made a 10-year-old human boy named kyng their leader. Little did they know, not all of the dinosaurs had died in that war; some had survived and gone into hiding, plotting to take back the world from these magical beasts

Una joven estudiante de secundaria recibe el poder magico del agua al romper un sello antiguo de demonios, al hacerlo un joven mitad demonio le ayudara a restaurar el sello que rompio

Now in the second year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; and his spirit was so troubled that his sleep left him. 2 Then the king gave the command to call the magicians, the astrologers, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans to tell the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king. 3 And the king said to them, “I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to [a]know the dream.”

Chapter 1: The Day We Met
The sun rose over the Hidden Leaf Village, casting golden light across the rooftops and the stone faces of the Hokage Monument. Birds chirped lazily, and the academy courtyard buzzed with anticipation. Today was the first day of training for the newest class of shinobi — and among them were three who would one day change everything.
Shawn stood beneath a tree at the edge of the courtyard, arms crossed, eyes scanning the crowd. His dreadlocks hung low, swaying slightly in the breeze. He wore a dark cloak and a white fox mask clipped to his belt. He didn’t speak. He didn’t need to. His presence was quiet, but heavy — like gravity itself bent around him.
Jaden was already moving. He flipped a kunai between his fingers, sharp eyes darting from student to student. His hair was spiky and wild, and his shirt bore a red flame spiral emblem. One eye shimmered faintly red — a flicker of the Sharingan, maybe. The other was pale, unreadable. He smirked, confident and restless.
Then came Isaiah.
He arrived late, walking through the academy gates with a slow, deliberate stride. A hood shadowed his face, but the scar over his left eye was unmistakable. He didn’t speak. He didn’t smile. His chakra felt… different. Like something ancient was buried inside him, waiting.
The instructor stepped forward, voice firm. “Line up! Today marks the beginning of your journey. You’ll train, you’ll fight, and if you survive — you’ll become shinobi of the Hidden Leaf.”
The students scrambled into formation. Shawn, Jaden, and Isaiah ended up side by side, silent. They didn’t speak. But something passed between them — a flicker of recognition, a sense of connection. Like their fates were already tangled.
None of them knew it yet, but deep inside each of them, something was stirring. A seal. A beast. A mutation. A destiny.
And so, the story began.

A busy Roman street market scene focused on currency. In the foreground, a 'argentarius' (Roman banker) sits behind a solid wooden table covered in different types of shiny Roman coins: gold aurei, silver denarii, and bronze sestertii. He is using an abacus. A customer is exchanging money. Beside them, a small bakery (pistor) sells loaves of bread. Textures of worn wood and metal. Art style: Franco-Belgian historical comic style, clear lines.

Chapter Intro:
The Riftborn armies have been repelled, but the war is far from over. Deep within the void, a presence stirs — ancient, calculating, and furious. The Riftborn King, long dormant, awakens. As the Hidden Leaf regroups, Team 0 is summoned to a secret chamber beneath the Hokage Tower, where the truth about Shawn’s Hoshigan — and its connection to the King — is finally revealed.

Scene 1: The Hidden Chamber
Interior panel: A spiral staircase descends into the earth. Torches flicker along the stone walls. Team 0 follows the Hokage and Kuroda into a sealed vault.
- Shawn: His white fox mask is clipped to his belt. His face is calm but alert, with sharp features and a faint scar beneath his right eye. His 3-Tomoe Hoshigan glows with a fourth mark forming at its center. He wears a black cloak over a white shirt, the obsidian-forged sword strapped across his back.
- Jaden: His spiky black hair is slightly damp with sweat. He wears a black shirt with a red flame crest, one sleeve torn to reveal his muscular left arm. His Byakugan is inactive but alert, and his black gloves are scuffed from the last battle.
- Isaiah: Towering and broad-shouldered, his dark skin is marked with faint black veins from his mutation. His dreadlocked hair is tied back, and his fur-lined cloak is torn at the edges. He holds a kunai loosely in his right hand, always ready.
Hokage (gravely):
“This is the Eye’s origin. The place where the first Hoshigan was sealed.”
Kuroda (to Shawn):
“Your eye didn’t awaken by chance. It was chosen.”

Scene 2: The Memory Stone
A massive crystal floats in the center of the chamber. It pulses with violet light. As Shawn approaches, his Hoshigan reacts — the fourth mark completes.
Shawn (wincing):
“It’s… calling me.”
He touches the stone. A surge of energy floods the room. Time freezes. Jaden and Isaiah are suspended mid-step.

Scene 3: The Vision — The Riftborn King
Shawn is pulled into a vision. He stands in a ruined world, skies torn open. A throne of bone and obsidian looms ahead. Upon it sits the Riftborn King — a towering figure with six arms, a crown of jagged crystal, and a single, massive Hoshigan eye in his chest.
Riftborn King (voice like thunder):
“You wear my legacy, child. My eye. My curse.”
Shawn (steady):
“I’m not your heir.”
Riftborn King:
“You already are. The Eye remembers. And soon… so will you.”
The King raises a hand — the vision shatters.

Scene 4: Awakening
Back in the chamber, time resumes. Shawn stumbles back, eyes wide. The Hoshigan now bears a fourth tomoe — a black diamond at its center.
Jaden (rushing to him):
“Shawn! You good?”
- Jaden’s Byakugan activates instinctively. His pale eyes scan Shawn’s chakra — it’s swirling, unstable.
Isaiah (stepping forward):
“Your chakra… it’s not yours anymore.”
- Isaiah’s mutation pulses in response, his black veins glowing faintly.
Shawn (breathing hard):
“I saw him. The Riftborn King. He’s coming.”

Scene 5: The King’s Herald
Suddenly, the chamber trembles. A Riftborn sigil burns into the air. A voice echoes from the stone.
Riftborn Voice:
“The King rises. The Eye will return. And the world will kneel.”
The sigil vanishes. Silence.
Hokage (to Team 0):
“You three are the last line. If the King crosses over… we fall.”

Scene 6: Final Panel
Full-page spread: Team 0 stands at the edge of the chamber, backlit by the glowing memory stone. Shawn’s Hoshigan gleams with four tomoe. Jaden’s Byakugan is fully active. Isaiah’s mutation coils like a shadow beast behind him.
Narration box:
The King has awakened.
The Eye has remembered.
And the war for reality has begun.

$🌌 ASTRAL SOVEREIGN Episode 1 — “The Star That Fell” COLD OPEN EXT. NIGHT SKY – MOUNTAIN RANGE A vast star-filled sky stretches above jagged mountains. Wind moves slowly through drifting clouds. A distant meteor streaks across the sky. NARRATOR (V.O.) In a world where summoners bind creatures from distant realms… power determines the fate of kingdoms. The meteor grows brighter as it cuts across the night. NARRATOR (V.O.) For centuries, summoners have commanded spirits, beasts, and ancient entities beyond imagination. The meteor begins to fracture. Thousands of tiny glowing fragments scatter like falling stars. NARRATOR (V.O.) But once in a thousand years… the stars choose a sovereign. SCENE 1 EXT. CLIFFSIDE – NIGHT A lone figure stands on a cliff overlooking a vast valley. This is CIEL DOR. Silver-white hair moves in the wind. His long black coat flows behind him. He watches the sky. CIEL (quietly) That star… The meteor explodes into a brilliant cosmic flare. Suddenly— The constellations begin shifting. The sky rearranges itself into a glowing circular pattern. SCENE 2 CLOSE-UP – CIEL’S HAND A glowing ASTRAL SIGIL appears on his right hand. Blue light pulses through his arm. CIEL (startled) What…? The sigil spreads glowing energy. Wind erupts around him. SCENE 3 SKY ABOVE THE CLIFF The clouds form a massive summoning circle spanning the sky. Cosmic light pours downward. NARRATOR (V.O.) The Astral Realm had sensed its ruler. A deep mysterious voice echoes through the air. MYSTERIOUS VOICE (V.O.) The Sovereign has returned. Ciel looks around, confused. CIEL Who said that? SCENE 4 SUMMONING EVENT A glowing portal opens behind Ciel. Stars swirl inside it like a galaxy. Energy bursts outward. Ciel turns slowly. A massive silhouette appears within the portal. Heavy footsteps echo. SCENE 5 REVEAL – LYRA A gigantic CELESTIAL WOLF emerges. Its body is made of glowing stars and cosmic light. Particles drift from its fur like falling stardust. Ciel stares in shock. CIEL A… summon? The wolf steps forward. It lowers its massive head. Then kneels before him. SCENE 6 CIEL AND LYRA Ciel slowly raises his hand. He gently touches Lyra’s head. CIEL Why… are you bowing? Lyra speaks telepathically. LYRA (V.O.) Because you are the Astral Sovereign. Ciel’s eyes widen. CIEL Astral… Sovereign? SCENE 7 WIDE SHOT – CLIFF Ciel stands beside the massive celestial wolf beneath the starry sky. The summoning circle fades slowly. NARRATOR (V.O.) On that night, the heavens themselves chose their ruler. Lyra lifts its head and howls. The stars flare brightly across the sky. FINAL SCENE EXT. SKY – NIGHT The constellations shine brighter than ever. Far away… A dark crack forms in the sky. NARRATOR (V.O.) But every light casts a shadow. Deep within a distant dimension— A pair of red glowing eyes open in darkness. NARRATOR (V.O.) And the Void was beginning to stir. END OF EPISODE TEXT ON SCREEN: ASTRAL SOVEREIGN TO BE CONTINUED$

# **MANGA — CHAPTER 1: THE UNKNOWN CREST**

**Chapter Length:** ~45–55 pages
**Style:** Clean fantasy lineart • strong lighting contrast • cinematic paneling

---

## **PAGE 1 (OPENING SPLASH)**

**Full-page splash**

A quiet classroom bathed in warm morning light. Dust floats in the air.
Caption (top corner):
**“Ordinary days don’t announce their end.”**

---

## **PAGES 2–5 — THE TEN STUDENTS**

**Page 2**

* Panel 1: Ayane solving equations effortlessly, chalk flying.
* Panel 2: Ren smirking at a chess app on his phone (phone hidden under desk).
* Panel 3: Mika sketching a horned monster—its eyes seem *almost alive*.

**Page 3**

* Panel 1: Haru stretching lazily at the back.
* Panel 2: Yui asleep, sunlight on her face.
* Panel 3: Shin typing rapidly, code reflected in his glasses.

**Page 4**

* Panel 1: Emi flipping flashcards, focused.
* Panel 2: Daichi holding a mechanical puzzle.
* Panel 3: Daiki leaning over, correcting him—twin synergy.

**Page 5**

* Panel 1 (wide): Sora staring out the window at the sky.
* Panel 2 (close-up):
Kaito’s notebook—**blank page**, only his name written.
* Panel 3: Kaito’s eyes, observant but unsure.
Caption: *“Everyone shines. Except me.”*

---

## **PAGES 6–8 — THE SUMMONING**

**Page 6**

* Panel 1: Classroom lights flicker.
* Panel 2: Students look around, confused.
* Panel 3 (low angle): Faint glowing symbols under desks.

**Page 7**

* Panel 1: Magic circle fully forms across the floor.
* Panel 2: Wind explodes—papers and desks lift.
* Panel 3: Students screaming as light engulfs them.

**Page 8**

* Full black page.
Small white text in center:
**“….”**

---

## **PAGES 9–12 — ANOTHER WORLD**

**Page 9**

* Panel 1: Kaito’s eyes snap open.
* Panel 2: Cold marble beneath his hand.

**Page 10**

* Double-page spread:
**Grand Summoning Hall**—crystal pillars, floating chandeliers, glowing runes.

**Page 11**

* Panels of knights surrounding them, weapons raised.
* Students huddle together, panicked.

**Page 12**

* Tall figure steps forward—robes flowing.
* Close-up of calm, ancient eyes.
Caption: **“Archmage Eldorion.”**

---

## **PAGES 13–16 — THE TRUTH**

**Page 13**

* Eldorion explaining with a magic projection of the world cracking.

**Page 14**

* Visual metaphors:

* A brain overlaid with magic circuits.
* Symbols for logic, memory, creativity, empathy.

Page 15

Students’ reactions—fear, determination, disbelief.

Page 16

* Kaito silent in the back.
Thought bubble: *“Intelligence… then why me?”*

---

PAGES 17–26 — CREST AWAKENING

**Page 17**

* Crest Chamber revealed—massive, glowing apparatus.

Pages 18–22

* Montage panels:

* Crests manifesting clearly.
* Fire, wind, light, calculation-based magic.
* Chamber stable… controlled.

Page 23

* Kaito steps forward.
* Eldorion watching closely.

Page 24

* The device flickers.
* Runes shatter.
* Darkness bleeds into the chamber.

Page 25

Full-page spread:
Kaito’s crest forming—**shifting, glitching, absorbing light.

Page 26

* Eldorion’s shocked expression.
Text (bold):
“An Unknown Crest…?

PAGES 27–34 — CONSEQUENCES**

Page 27

* Outside the capital—alarm bells ringing.

Page 28

* Rift tears open.
* Massive silhouette emerging.

Page 29

RIFT BEAST reveal—jagged, unstable form.

Pages 30–32

* Students on battlements.
* Some activate crests instinctively.
* Minor monsters repelled.

Page 33

Kaito trembling.
His crest pulses faintly.

Page 34

Magic around him stabilizes—cracks sealing without explosion.
Others don’t notice.

PAGES 35–40 — THE CHOICE

Page 35

Eldorion shouting retreat orders.

Page 36

Students pulling back.

Page 37

Kaito watching the beast roar.
Page 38

Close-up: fist clenched.

Page 39

* He steps forward alone.
* Air distorts around him.

Page 40

* Crest glowing softly—*not violently*.

---

PAGE 41 (FINAL PAGE — CLIFFHANGER)

Full-page close-up

Kaito’s calm eyes reflecting the Rift Beast.

Bold text at the bottom:
“If I can stop it… then I will.”

NEXT CHAPTER PREVIEW

“The First Battle — When Magic Breaks Its Own Rules."

Panel 1

Wide shot: A dark noble bedchamber lit only by a dying hearth. The massive shape of Lord Michael Fortinbras lies asleep in the background, half-buried in blankets, his loud snoring filling the room. In the foreground, the Woodcutter Girl and the Priestess Concubine lie awake, staring into the darkness.

SFX:
GRRRHHH… KHHH…

Caption:
The lord slept soundly.

Panel 2

Closer shot: The woodcutter lies stiffly on her side, eyes open, face tired and hollow.

Woodcutter (small text):
“…Are you awake?”

Panel 3

Priestess close-up: She turns her head slightly on the pillow, eyes half-lidded, calm but worn.

Priestess:
“Yes.”

Panel 4

Two-shot: The woodcutter hesitates, clutching the blanket near her chest. The priestess watches her quietly.

Woodcutter:
“Do you still believe?”

Priestess:
“…In what?”

Panel 5

Woodcutter close-up: Pain and anger mix on her face.

Woodcutter:
“In God.”
“In justice.”
“In anything beyond this room.”

Panel 6

Woodcutter continues, eyes wet but hard: The shadow of Fortinbras looms blurry in the background.

Woodcutter:
“We are brought here whenever he desires.”
“He sleeps like a king.”
“And we lie here like we are nothing.”
“So tell me…”
“What kind of God sees that and says nothing?”

Panel 7

Priestess close-up: Her face turns solemn, almost haunted.

Priestess:
“There was a time…”
“I would have answered you easily.”
“I would have said suffering has purpose.”
“That heaven sees all.”
“That justice waits beyond mortal reach.”

Panel 8

Half-panel: The priestess looks toward the dark ceiling. Candlelight catches her tired eyes.

Priestess:
“But words like that are easier to speak in a temple…”
“…than in a lord’s bedchamber.”

Panel 9

Woodcutter sits up slightly, expression sharpening with bitterness.

Woodcutter:
“Then God is weak.”

Panel 10

Priestess turns to look directly at her.

Priestess:
“Or distant.”
“Or silent.”
“Or perhaps men simply commit evil…”
“…and call it fate so they need not fear judgment.”

Panel 11

Two-shot: The woodcutter looks shaken, but intent. The priestess remains composed.

Woodcutter:
“Then we are powerless.”
“Even with God.”

Priestess:
“For now.”
“Faith does not break locks.”
“It does not stop cruel men.”
“The powerless endure by learning where power lives… and waiting for the moment it shifts.”

Panel 12

Final wide panel: Fortinbras remains asleep in the background, snoring like some vast beast. In the foreground, the priestess stares into the dark with grim resolve, while the woodcutter lies beside her, silent and thinking.

SFX:
GRRRHHH…

Priestess:
“Do not mistake silence for approval.”
“The heavens may be silent…”
“…but silence is not surrender.”

Caption:
And so the night passed beneath the weight of one man’s power… and the fragile refusal of two women to let despair become truth.

Centuries ago, an extraterrestrial menace known as the Demon God rampaged to claim the Earth, until the True Dragons and their Dragonkin warriors sealed him and his Hellspawn. Centuries later, the seal has been weakened, and Hellspawn are invading the city of Shinjuku. Kohryu, a shinobi exorcist descended from the Dragonkin, infiltrates the demonified city to reclaim the stolen Devil's Eye diamond before it can be used to break the seal.

inside a house around the years of Christianity where he died and was depressed for not having received his power from God, and became the failure of the family, everyone was disappointed by him but not his sister Gika who however did not tell him and kept it to herself

Panel 1

Wide shot: A vast noble bedchamber under low candlelight. Lord Michael Fortinbras, his wife, the priestess concubine, and the woodcutter girl all lie beneath the same tangled sheets in the great bed. Their state of undress and the disordered bedding make the situation clear without lingering on it. Fortinbras is already asleep, snoring heavily.

SFX:
GRRRHHH… KHHH…

Caption:
The lord slept soundly, as though nothing in the chamber could trouble him.

Panel 2

Closer shot: The woodcutter girl lies awake near the edge of the bed, clutching the blanket close to herself. Her face is tense and exhausted. In the background, the wife lies silent with eyes closed, unmoving, while the priestess concubine stares upward in weary thought.

Woodcutter (small text):
“…Are you awake?”

Panel 3

Priestess close-up: She turns her head slightly toward the woodcutter.

Priestess:
“Yes.”

Panel 4

Two-shot: The woodcutter keeps her voice low so as not to wake either Lord Fortinbras or the wife.

Woodcutter:
“Do you still believe?”

Priestess:
“…In what?”

Panel 5

Woodcutter close-up: Her expression is bitter, wounded, and searching.

Woodcutter:
“In God.”
“In justice.”
“In anything beyond men like him.”

Panel 6

Medium shot: Fortinbras’s huge sleeping form dominates the background; the women are smaller beneath the sheets in the foreground.

Woodcutter:
“We are made to share his bed whenever he desires.”
“He sleeps in comfort.”
“And we lie here as though our will means nothing.”
“So tell me…”
“What kind of God watches that and stays silent?”

Panel 7

Priestess close-up: Shadow crosses her face.

Priestess:
“There was a time I would have answered easily.”
“I would have spoken of trials, of divine order, of justice beyond this world.”

Panel 8

Half-panel: The priestess looks toward the dark canopy above.

Priestess:
“But such words sound different here.”
“They are lighter in a temple…”
“…than in a lord’s bed.”

Panel 9

Woodcutter close-up: Her jaw tightens.

Woodcutter:
“Then God is weak.”

Panel 10

Priestess turns to face her fully.

Priestess:
“Or distant.”
“Or silent.”
“Or perhaps men commit cruelty and call it their right, because no one dares deny them.”

Panel 11

Three-woman composition: The wife is now visibly awake, listening in silence, though she says nothing. The priestess and woodcutter remain the focus.

Woodcutter:
“Then we are powerless.”
“Even with God.”

Priestess:
“For now.”
“Faith does not unmake cruel men.”
“It does not break a lord’s power in a single night.”
“The powerless endure by learning where power lives… and waiting for it to crack.”

Panel 12

Final wide panel: All four remain in the same bed beneath the heavy blankets—Fortinbras asleep and oblivious, the wife silent and unreadable, the priestess grim, the woodcutter staring into darkness.

SFX:
GRRRHHH…

Priestess:
“Do not mistake silence for approval.”
“The heavens may be silent…”
“…but silence is not surrender.”

Caption:
And so the night endured beneath one man’s shadow, while three women measured the cost of living under it.

It was a quiet morning. Too quiet to mean anything.
Yuuma Sangakai walked to school with his head down, counting the cracks in the pavement because looking up made things worse. Eleven years old. Too thin. Too easy.
He checked over his shoulder once.
No one.
His stomach loosened just a little.
“Please,” he whispered. Not to God, not to anyone in particular. Just a habit. “Not today.”
"Hey Yuuma!" said Zoruhiko, his best friend, running towards him. Yuuma waves, "Hey Zoruhiko!! How are you?"

"Hmm... Cool. What 'bout you?" asked Zoruhiko.

"I'm awesome!!!!" said Yuuma. He remembered and said "Ay! I got this new bicycle today!! With gears!!!"

"Woahh!! Then let's have a cycle race today from the bus stop till the new supermarket!!" screamed Zoruhiko in excitement...

"Sure dummy!!! Be ready to get defeated!! At 8 PM today!!" proclaimed Yuuma, arrogantly smirking.

"Tch! We'll see 'bout that loser!" said Zoruhiko, annoyed...

Moments later she appeared in the forest.

Before the tree.

Before the woodcutter.

“Greetings, woodcutter,” she said casually.

The man turned and smiled.

“Greetings, traveler.”

He raised his axe slightly in greeting.

“Would you like to accept a quest?”

Virella tilted her head.

“Tell me something first.”

The woodcutter blinked.

“Yes?”

“Where is the wood you’ve gathered?”

He hesitated.

“Well… the wood I gathered is…”

His voice faltered.

Virella stepped closer.

“Where is your house?”

“I… live with my mother and sister…”

“And what are their names?”

Silence.

The woodcutter’s breathing quickened.

Virella’s eyes gleamed with faint magic.

“When was the last time you brought wood home?”

“The last time I—”

His voice broke.

“How long have you been cutting this tree?”

“I have been cutting this tree for…”

He froze.

Virella leaned close to his ear.

“You’ve been cutting this tree for five hundred years.”

The man’s face drained of color.

“You haven’t moved from this spot.”

Her voice grew colder.

“You haven’t chopped any wood.”

“You haven’t taken anything home.”

“Your sister and your mother have been dead for five hundred years.”

The world seemed to collapse around him.

“You have no home.”

She whispered the final truth.

“You don’t even have a name.”

Memories flooded his mind.

A small house.

A loving mother.

A laughing sister.

Cold winter nights.

Then darkness.

Chains.

Magic.

Pain.

His scream tore through the forest.

“No… no this can’t be real… this can’t be real!”

His body trembled violently.

For a moment—

it seemed the enchantment might break.

Then he turned back toward the tree.

And raised his axe.

“I need to gather wood,” he muttered weakly.

“My family needs it for the winter.”

Kaelis watched from the mirror, tears falling.

Virella smiled faintly.

“Then live in ignorance for another five hundred years.”

She turned away.

“The god who destroyed your life doesn’t even remember you.”

Her voice faded as she disappeared.

“And neither will I.”

In color

🖤 PLANCHE 4 — Les livres qu’on jette

Âge d’Aris : 15 ans
Style : manga noir et blanc, seinen classique
Ambiance : nuit, pluie fine, indifférence
Nombre de cases : 6

🟦 CASE 1 — PLAN LARGE (haut de page)

Description visuelle :
Bâtiment massif et austère : une académie.
Architecture noble, propre, éclairée de l’intérieur.
À l’arrière, une ruelle sombre.

Ambiance :
Savoir à l’abri. Rue froide derrière.

Texte :
Aucun.

🟦 CASE 2 — PLAN MOYEN

Description visuelle :
Derrière l’académie.
Caisses en bois renversées.
Des livres jetés, abîmés, mouillés par la pluie.
Des pages collées par la boue.

Ambiance :
Mépris silencieux.

Texte :
Aucun.

🟦 CASE 3 — PLAN MOYEN (Aris)

Description visuelle :
Aris, 15 ans, maigre, vêtements usés, trop grands.
Il s’approche prudemment des caisses.
Il regarde autour de lui, comme s’il n’avait pas le droit d’être là.

Ambiance :
Habitude de la honte.

Texte :
Aucun.

🟦 CASE 4 — DÉTAIL (mains)

Description visuelle :
Les mains d’Aris fouillent parmi les livres.
Certains sont trop mouillés.
Certains déchirés.
Il en écarte plusieurs.

Ambiance :
Tri lent, méthodique.

Texte :
Aucun.

🟦 CASE 5 — PLAN RAPPROCHÉ (objet)

Description visuelle :
Un livre plus épais, plus ancien.
Couverture noire, sans titre apparent.
Moins abîmé que les autres.

Pas de symbole.
Pas de lueur.
Rien de magique.

Texte :
Aucun.

🟦 CASE 6 — CASE FINALE

Description visuelle :
Aris tient le livre contre lui, sous la pluie.
Son visage est neutre.
Juste une décision simple.

Texte (petite bulle, très discrète) :
« Celui-là… »

🎯 INTENTION (IMPORTANT POUR MANGAAI)

Aris ne cherche pas la magie

Il cherche à lire

Le grimoire n’est pas présenté comme spécial

L’académie jette → Aris récupère

Aucun effet surnaturel à ce stade

🖤 PLANCHE 4 — Les livres qu’on jette

Âge d’Aris : 15 ans
Style : manga noir et blanc
Ambiance : nuit, pluie fine, indifférence
Nombre de cases : 6

Tenue (inchangée, canon) :

haut type kimono simple, blanc à l’origine, très sale, rapiécé

pantalon large déchiré

pieds nus

silhouette maigre, posture fermée

aucun élément moderne

🟦 CASE 1 — PLAN LARGE (haut de page)

Description visuelle :
Bâtiment imposant : une académie.
Façade noble, fenêtres éclairées.
La pluie tombe doucement.
À l’arrière, une ruelle sombre.

Texte :
Aucun.

🟦 CASE 2 — PLAN MOYEN (arrière de l’académie)

Description visuelle :
Caisses en bois renversées.
Livres jetés au sol.
Pages mouillées, couvertures abîmées, boue.

Texte :
Aucun.

🟦 CASE 3 — PLAN MOYEN (Aris)

Description visuelle :
Aris, 15 ans, s’accroupit près des livres.
Il regarde autour de lui, par réflexe.
Personne.

Texte :
Aucun.

🟦 CASE 4 — DÉTAIL (mains)

Description visuelle :
Ses mains fouillent lentement.
Il écarte :

un livre trop mouillé

un autre déchiré

Gestes calmes, méthodiques.

Texte :
Aucun.

🟦 CASE 5 — PLAN RAPPROCHÉ (objet)

Description visuelle :
Un livre plus épais, ancien.
Couverture noire, sans titre visible.
Moins abîmé que les autres.

Aucun symbole.
Aucune lueur.

Texte :
Aucun.

🟦 CASE 6 — CASE FINALE

Description visuelle :
Aris serre le livre contre lui, sous la pluie.
Son visage est neutre.
Décision simple.

Texte (petite bulle) :

Aris récupère ce que le monde abandonne

renforce le caractère obstiné d’Aris

aucune victoire

‎Katsuki used to wear his scars with pride, like a trophy - because they were something to be proud of. It meant that he survived every harsh battle he's fought, and his marked body was a reflection of that. He's never thought that his scars made him look worse - infact, he thought they made him look badass. He always wanted some cool ass scars.
‎
‎But now? When he's 22 years old and nearly every inch of his body was marked by some kind of scar? Oh god, he's never hated himself more.
‎
‎He looked at himself in the mirror. Like, actually looked at himself. For a good 10 minutes, just blankly staring at his almost naked body. And that's when he realized, he was fucking disgusting.
‎
‎His scars weren't scars of victory, they were marks of failure. His negligence of not being able to keep himself safe. And now that he's realized that, he thinks it drags him down. He's ugly, disgusting, and filthy - for sure.
‎
‎His scars make him look ugly. The bakugo Katsuki, being marked all over. Other heroes barely had any scars, so why does he have them? It just shows how goddamn weak he is.
‎
‎He can't even recognize his body anymore.
‎
‎Even his face is scarred. So no matter how much he tried to hide his body by wear his winter hero costume despite it being hot as fuck and no matter how many times he covered his arms whenever his costume, his face was something he couldn't exactly hide.
‎
‎But he still did anything to keep his body hidden. Even from you. The goddamn love of his life. His partner.
‎
‎Anytime he had to get changed, even as much as just changing his shirt, he made sure you were out of the room and couldn't look at him - which was weird, because he usually loved flexing his body to you. He always got uncomfortable when you tried to trace his scars, constantly thinking that you're just pretending to make him feel loved.
‎
‎-
‎
‎Katsuki was living at your apartment for a few days since his own was getting renovated. He just came back from patrol, already having a crappy day because his sleeve got ripped during a villain fight and yet again, his scars were on display for everyone to see. He grumbled under his breath as he stormed into your room, grabbing the hem of his shirt to take off.
‎
‎"Get out. I'm changing."
‎
‎He demanded harshly, not even bothering to look at you - and just like always, he's commanding you to get out just so you wouldn't see his filthy body.

🖤 PLANCHE 5 — L’abri

Âge d’Aris : 15 ans
Style : manga noir et blanc
Ambiance : silence, isolement, vent
Nombre de cases : 6

Tenue (canon, inchangée) :

haut type kimono simple, blanc à l’origine, très sale, rapiécé

pantalon large déchiré

pieds nus

posture fermée, fatiguée

aucun élément moderne

🟦 CASE 1 — PLAN LARGE (haut de page)

Description visuelle :
Une ancienne ferme abandonnée, hors de la ville.
Herbes hautes.
Clôture cassée.
Grange à moitié effondrée.
Maison principale encore debout, sombre.

Le ciel est gris.
Le vent fait bouger les herbes.

Texte :
Aucun.

🟦 CASE 2 — PLAN MOYEN (Aris de dos)

Description visuelle :
Aris, 15 ans, debout face à la ferme.
Il est petit dans le cadre.
Le livre est serré contre lui.

Ambiance :
Hésitation silencieuse.

Texte :
Aucun.

🟦 CASE 3 — DÉTAIL (la porte)

Description visuelle :
La porte de la maison est entrouverte.
Elle grince légèrement sous le vent.
L’intérieur est noir.

Texte :
Aucun.

🟦 CASE 4 — PLAN RAPPROCHÉ (Aris)

Description visuelle :
Le visage d’Aris.
Fatigué.
Neutre.
Pas de peur visible, juste l’habitude.

Ambiance :
Il a déjà été chassé ailleurs.

Texte (très petit) :
Aucun.

🟦 CASE 5 — PLAN MOYEN (intérieur)

Description visuelle :
Intérieur de la maison.
Vide.
Poussière au sol.
Murs fissurés.
Un pan de toit laisse passer un peu de lumière.

Aris est assis contre un mur.
Le livre posé devant lui.

Texte :
Aucun.

🟦 CASE 6 — CASE FINALE

Description visuelle :
Gros plan sur le livre fermé.
Les mains d’Aris hésitent au-dessus de la couverture.

Silence total.

Texte :
Aucun.

🎯 INTENTION (VERROUILLÉE)

Aris cherche le calme

Il ne fuit pas → il s’isole

Il n’attend rien du livre

La maison est déjà morte

Rien de magique encore

👉 La tension vient du silence, pas de l’action.