Crimson Veil
Episode 15: The Sky Ruins — The Chain-Winged Oracle!
[Page 1] – Splash Page
Scene: A shattered city floats among storm-wrapped skies. Lightning crackles around ancient towers suspended by unseen forces. A massive stone gate, broken in half, hovers at the city's center.
Narration Box:
"Above the world, where forgotten gods once walked, a lost prophecy stirs."
In the sky, a silhouette floats — her wings made of shifting silver chains.
[Page 2] – Approaching the Ruins
Ren, Lira, and Kael stand atop an airship Kael summoned using ancient tech.
Kael:
"This place shouldn't even exist. The coordinates were buried under layers of reality locks."
Lira (eyes wide):
"Those statues... they're gods. Or were."
Ren remains silent, feeling the mark burn faintly on his chest.
[Page 3] – The Chain-Winged Oracle Appears
She descends slowly, her wings whispering as they sway.
Oracle:
"Welcome, Tyrant. Windborn. Mindcraft. I have been waiting."
Ren:
"You know our names?"
Oracle:
"I have lived every possible future... and mourned most of them."
[Page 4] – Prophecy of the Fourth Fragment
Chains unwrap from her arm and form glowing script in the air.
Oracle:
"The Fourth Fragment is hidden within the Heart Spire. But taking it... will cost you one truth."
Kael (confused):
"What kind of cost is that?"
Oracle (looking at Ren):
"One memory — of someone you love."
[Page 5] – Ren's Hesitation
He clenches his fists. The memory of his younger sister flickers in his mind — her voice, her laugh... slowly fading already.
Ren:
"I have no choice. If it brings peace... I'll pay."
Lira gently touches his arm.
Lira (softly):
"We'll find another way. We always do."
[Page 6] – The Trial of Chains Begins
The Oracle opens the gate to the Heart Spire. A storm of spectral chains wraps around the trio, pulling them into a dreamlike realm. Each of them faces an illusion from their past.
Kael:
"No... this can't be. That's my—"
Lira:
"Mother?"
Ren sees a young girl running toward him. Her face is blurred. She reaches for his hand...
[Page 7] – Inner Struggle
Each hero fights to remember who they are — to resist the chain illusions. Ren lifts his glowing spear and pierces the sky within the dream.
Ren (roaring):
"I'm not your puppet, Zareth!!"
The dream realm cracks apart — revealing the Fourth Fragment, a golden sphere spinning above the city's heart.
[Page 8] – Oracle's Final Test
The Oracle blocks the path with her wings.
Oracle (calm):
"One final question: Would you trade your soul... to save the world?"
Ren (determined):
"No. I'll save the world with my soul intact."
Oracle (smiling faintly):
"Then take it. And remember... I'll be watching."
[Page 9] – Final Panel
Ren touches the Fourth Fragment — it dissolves into his chest. A massive glyph appears above the sky city: an hourglass with its sands running upward. Time quakes ripple outward.
Narration Box:
"With the fourth fragment claimed... time itself begins to bend."