Crimson Veil
Episode 9: The Hunt Begins — The First Tyrant Fragment!
[Page 1] – Splash Page
Scene: A burning mountain peak. Standing within a glowing crater is a tall figure of molten armor — a Tyrant Fragment — with one glowing eye and a giant blade on his back. Lava rains down like hellfire.
Narration Box:
"With one chain broken, the Tyrant's fragments awaken. The race has begun."
[Page 2] – Scene: Human Realm, Aboard a Hovercraft
Ren, Lira, and a new ally — a half-demon tracker named Kael — fly across the wastelands toward the Northern Ridge.
Kael (checking a device):
"The first fragment appeared twelve hours ago. The energy spike melted half the ridge. Whatever it is, it's hunting."
Ren (focused):
"We find it. Stop it. Before it kills more."
Lira:
"Assuming it hasn't already."
[Page 3] – Scene: Northern Ridge Village
Smoke rises. Buildings are in ruins. Survivors hide in basements. In the center of the destruction — massive molten footprints.
Villager (terrified):
"It... it looked like a god made of fire. It didn't speak... just stared into us... like it knew we were nothing."
[Page 4] – Cut to: Malgrin's Castle
Malgrin sits upon his throne, watching the same scene through a crystal mirror. Around him stand the Six Demon Generals.
Malgrin (commanding):
"Send General Irys. Let's see if the Crimson Boy can survive her... before the real awakening begins."
A woman with demon wings and silver chains slithering across her arms grins.
Irys:
"With pleasure, my king."
[Page 5] – Scene: Ren's Arrival at the Ridge
Ren walks into the still-burning remains. The ground shakes. A massive hand made of lava punches the earth in front of him. From the smoke, the Tyrant Fragment emerges — towering, glowing, and incomplete.
Lira (stunned):
"That's not a demon... that's a piece of something worse."
Kael:
"It's sensing you, Ren. Your blood... it's waking it up."
[Page 6] – Action Panel
The Tyrant Fragment roars, igniting the sky. Ren summons his crimson spear. Kael throws an explosive tag. Lira flashes forward with her blade drawn. They strike — but the fragment barely flinches.
Ren (thinking):
"My spear... it's burning. This thing isn't just fire. It's a memory of rage... given shape."
[Page 7] – Reinforcements Arrive
Suddenly, Irys drops from the sky, landing beside the fragment with a wicked grin.
Irys:
"Cute team you got, Crimson Heir. Mind if I test your limits?"
She releases chains from her arms — alive with demonic intent — targeting Lira and Kael.
[Page 8] – Double Battle Begins
Ren engages the Tyrant Fragment, trading brutal blows that send shockwaves across the mountain. Lira and Kael fight Irys, dodging her deadly chain strikes. The sky begins to darken as the fragment's heat distorts reality.
Kael (shouting):
"We're running out of time! That thing's core is reaching critical!"
[Page 9] – Final Panel
Ren finally pierces part of the fragment's chest — revealing a glowing symbol inside, the same that appears on Ren's back when his powers awaken. The fragment stops, stares at him... and speaks in a deep voice.
Fragment (telepathic):
"You... are not ready."
It explodes into pure energy, launching Ren backward. Irys retreats, laughing.
Irys:
"That was just a taste. Five more fragments remain."
Text:
Next Episode: "Whispers from the Abyss — The Demon Generals