THE SEVEN RINGS
Awakening of the Storm
Noah
Hey Ethan, are you ready for today's training? We’ve got to get you in shape if you’re going to keep up with me
Ethan
Maybe... something doesn’t feel right today. I can’t shake it.
Noah
What do you mean? Are you feeling sick? We’ve got work to do!
Ethan
No... it’s like the air is... heavier. Like something’s coming
Noah
Rolls eyes You and your overactive imagination. Come on, get up. Let’s go!
Suddenly, a scream echoes through the village...
Ethan
Stands up, eyes wide Noah... something’s really wrong.
Noah
*Grabs his sword* I’ll take care of it. Don’t worry, I’m ready for anything.
The sky darkens as the ground begins to shake...
Noah
What the hell is happening? looks around, panic setting in Where are the villagers?
Ethan
*Whispers* We’re not prepared for this...
Dravin ( village chief)
Noah, Ethan! Get to the gates, now! We need to defend the village!
Noah
*Grabs Ethan’s arm* Let’s go! We’ll be fine. We’ve trained for this!
Ethan
I hope you’re right... *hesitates*
The villagers rush to prepare defenses, Noah and Ethan following close behind.
Ethan
Stops suddenly, feeling a presence Wait... Noah, do you hear that?
Noah
Pauses, confused Hear what? You’re starting to sound crazy again.
Ethan
Frowning, staring toward the horizon That... sound. It’s... different.
The distant roar of demons reaches their ears. A shadow looms in the distance...
Noah
*Turns to see the horde of devils* WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?
Ethan
Wide-eyed It's worse than I thought... We’re not going to win this.
Dravin ( village chief)
The demons are here. Prepare yourself. Fight for your lives! We cannot let them take our village! *determined*
Ethan
*Grips his chest* This isn't just an army. This... this is the end.
The battle rages on. Noah fights fiercely at the front, while Ethan stands back, his senses tingling with unease. Suddenly, Ethan’s body reacts to the surge of energy around him...
Noah
Fighting, yelling They’re too strong! Ethan, stay back!
Ethan closes his eyes, a strange warmth bubbling inside him. He can’t control it... until it bursts out.
Ethan
Yells NO! I won’t let them take us! a massive shockwave explodes from Ethan, knocking down demons and shaking the ground
Noah
Stunned Ethan? What... just happened?
The demons fall, and the village falls silent. Only Ethan remains standing, breathing heavily, his eyes wide with shock.
Dravin ( village chief)
Looking around, stunned It... it’s over. But... who did this?
Noah
Looks at Ethan, confused It wasn’t me... I... didn’t do this.
Ethan
Softly It was me... But I... didn’t mean to... shaking This power... it’s too much.
The villagers look at Noah, but their eyes fall on Ethan, who stands among the devastation, his body trembling from the sheer force of what he’s just unleashed.
Village residents
Whispering It must have been Noah... he’s always been the strongest. Right?
Noah
Looking at Ethan, then back at the villagers No. It wasn’t me. It was... pauses Ethan.
The confusion lingers as the villagers start to murmur. Noah stands in the background, while Ethan, the true hero, begins to understand the weight of what he’s just don
Ethan
Looking at the destruction around *him, whispering to himself*
I didn’t mean for this to happen... Why me?
The village is left in silence, the sky dark above them as the consequences of Ethan’s power begin to take shape...
The Journey Begins
Scene 1: The Village in Ruins
The village smolders. The cries of survivors are silenced by the overwhelming destruction. Ethan, Noah, Lila, and Kane gather near the edge of the ruins
Noah
We can’t stay here. The devils will return.
lila
And where do we go? We’ve lost everything.”
kane
Eldruis. That’s what the chief said. The city of the sage
Ethan
Why did this happen… why us?
Lila places a hand on Ethan’s shoulder, her expression soft but resolute.
lila
Because they knew we wouldn’t break. That’s why we’re still standing
Scene 2: A Plan to Survive
The group begins gathering supplies, salvaging what they can from the ruins.
Noah
We’ll head to Eldruis. The sage there will train me, and I’ll return stronger
lila
Train you? What about us?
Noah
You’ll come too, but I’m the hero they spoke of. I’ll carry this burden.
(Kane scoffs, while Ethan avoids eye contact.)
kane
Hero or not, we’re all that’s left. Stick together, or we don’t make it
Ethan
Ethan silently grips the strap of his bag, guilt clawing at him. He remembers the blast of power during the attack and the destruction it caused
The group traverses a dense forest, the path uneven and treacherous. The air is thick with tension.
lila
So, Noah… what makes you so sure you’re the hero?
Noah
I was the one standing when the devils fell. The prophecy said the hero would rise in our darkest hour. That’s me.
(Ethan stiffens but says nothing.)
kane
Let’s hope you’re right. Otherwise, we’re walking to our deaths
Ethan
What if… what if the prophecy isn’t what we think?
(The others pause, glancing at Ethan. Lila tilts her head.)
Ethan
What if… it’s not about just one person?
Noah brushes him off with a wave
Noah
Stop overthinking, Ethan. You’re here to support me, not question the prophecy.
The group sets up camp. The night is eerily quiet, until the sound of snapping branches jolts them awake
kane
Something’s out there.
(Lila unsheathes her dagger, her eyes scanning the shadows.)
Noah
Stay behind me. I’ll handle this
The devil locks eyes with Ethan, sensing something within him. It lunges.
A blinding light erupts from Ethan, obliterating the devil. The forest falls silent, the air thick with tension.
The group regathers, shaken by the encounter.
Noah
What was that, Ethan?
lila
That’s twice now. First the village, now this
kane
Ethan… what are you hiding?
Ethan looks away, guilt and fear etched on his face. Noah clenches his fists, jealousy flickering in his eyes
Noah
Whatever it is, keep it under control. I’m the one who’s supposed to protect us
Ethan stays silent, the weight of his secret threatening to crush him
What is Ethan’s power? Can he control it? And how long before the truth shatters their fragile unity?
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