Page 1:
Hospital room — dim light filters through the curtains. Zeru lies unconscious in a bed, breathing steadily. Monitors beep softly. Nearby, a nurse checks his vitals.
Nurse (softly):
"He pushed too far… again."
Page 2 (Flashback Insert):
Replay of the final moment from last chapter: Zeru's blade stabilizing, his body glowing with constellations, and his eyes fierce.
Page 3:
Instructor Kael and Headmaster Rizan stand outside the hospital wing.
Kael (stern):
"Galaxy Creation Magic… that's not something a boy with fractured reserves should be touching."
Rizan:
"He's not fractured. He's evolving. But he's still incomplete."
Page 4:
Back to Zeru's room. He slowly wakes up, eyes fluttering open. Sweat runs down his neck. He grabs his wrist — the constellation seal pulses erratically.
Zeru (thinking):
"Why does it feel heavier… like something's pulling inside my chest."
Page 5:
Later that day, Zeru returns to the Academy grounds, now wearing his full trainee uniform. He's greeted by Renji and Reina outside the main training field.
Renji (grinning):
"You're alive! Thought we'd have to hold a candlelight vigil or something."
Reina (crossing arms):
"You scared everyone yesterday. Even the nobles shut up."
Page 6:
Inside the training dome. Students line up for afternoon drills. Several new side characters are introduced here.
Instructor Kael:
"Team formations are now official. Squad selection has been finalized."
He unrolls a glowing parchment.
Page 7–8 (Side Character Introduction Spread):
Squad: Golden Crest
Zeru Caelum – Calm, calculating. Wields both Galaxy Creation Magic and Phoenix Creation Magic (currently unstable).
Renji Falden – Loud, agile fighter with Chain Creation Magic. Uses twin chakrams. Loyal and reckless.
Reina Solmere – Precise and tactical. Specializes in Mirror Shard Magic.
Lina Vael – Healer. Quiet but sharp. Uses Crystal Bloom Magic to regenerate and defend.
Taro Myre – Strategist. Wields Ink Beast Magic — summons shadow creatures from written glyphs.
Kain Stroud – Earth-based brute. Iron Scale Magic user. Strong but kind-hearted.
Sena Yurei – Speedster. Wind String Magic, enabling silent movement and cutting air blades.
Minor Characters:
Vail Thorne – A transfer student with a mysterious seal. Observes more than he speaks.
Professor Juno – Squad Golden Crest's tactical advisor. Dry wit. Veteran of the Nullborn War.
Page 9:
Training field. Golden Crest begins their synchronized sparring.
Renji (swinging his chakrams):
"Zeru! You lead. You've got the juice."
Zeru:
"…Not yet. Let's see what you all can do first."
He watches closely — studying, not commanding.
Page 10:
The team trains, combining their magic. Lina supports from the back, while Reina reflects blasts to confuse opponents. Taro's ink beast charges forward. It's a coordinated assault.
Page 11:
Zeru finally steps in. With calm precision, he channels Galaxy Creation Magic, and summons a star-forged bow. Arrows burst like nebulae. One hits a dummy and causes a harmless mana implosion.
Reina (shocked):
"That's not normal magic output."
Lina (worried):
"But… he's trembling."
Page 12:
Close-up of Zeru's hand — it's shaking. His breathing becomes ragged. A burning sensation spreads from his chest.
Zeru (thinking):
"Again… it's straining my spirit core."
He collapses to one knee as his constellation seal flickers violently.
Page 13:
Juno rushes in, putting a hand to Zeru's back. She channels mana into his core and stabilizes it.
Professor Juno:
"You're forcing a dual output through a damaged core. You need regulation runes. Or this fusion will kill you."
Zeru:
"…I don't have time to wait two more weeks."
Page 14:
Later that evening, Squad Golden Crest eats together in the academy dining hall. The mood is lighter.
Taro:
"You know, not bad for a first group session."
Kain (smiling):
"We'll make a solid crew. Just don't pass out mid-fight again, Zeru."
Renji (pointing his fork):
"Let's just agree now — I get to name our combo attacks!"
Reina:
"…Absolutely not."
Page 15 (Final Page):
Zeru looks at his plate, quiet but thoughtful. Outside the window, a single star pulses brighter than the rest — and unseen, a black mist begins spreading from the forest beyond Kaigen.
Caption:
"As his body breaks, his spirit awakens… but shadows begin to stir."
To be continue… .