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Chapter 1 - "The Hunt Begins at Zero"

[Panel 1]

A wide, cinematic shot of a heavy snowstorm at night. The blinding white headlights of a massive truck cut through the dark.

SFX: VROOOOM—!

SFX: SCREEE—!! (Sound of heavy brakes)

[Panel 2]

Close-up of Sheishi. He is huddled against a wall, his skin blue from the cold. He is shivering so hard his teeth are chattering.

Sheishi: "Sh-sh-shhh... It's so cold... These thin blankets... they aren't enough to keep the frost away..."

[Panel 3]

The truck driver leans out his window, face twisted in a panicked rage.

Driver: "Hey! Get out of the road! Move it, kid! GET OUT OF THE WAY!"

[Panel 4]

Sheishi looks up, paralyzed by the light. Suddenly, a stray dog leaps from the shadows, slamming its shoulder into Sheishi to push him out of the lane.

SFX: THUD!

[Panel 5]

The truck hits the dog with a sickening sound. Sheishi watches from the snow, horrified.

SFX: CRACK-THUMP.

[Panel 6]

Sheishi crawls toward the dog, tears streaming down his face. The dog is motionless.

Sheishi: "Why, God? Why again?!"

Sheishi (Thinking): It's a curse... Everybody who tries to protect me... they all end up dead!

Flashback: 3 Years Ago (Hunter Association)

[Panel 7]

Flashback effect (black borders). A younger Sheishi stands in a crowded hall filled with muscular, high-ranking hunters. He looks small and weak.

Random Hunter: "Hey, look at that loser. Isn't he the guy who always walks alone? The 'Weakest Hunter' in the city?"

[Panel 8]

A group of bullies towers over Sheishi. Suddenly, a beautiful girl with a powerful aura steps between them.

The Girl: "That's enough. Pick on someone who can actually fight back."

Sheishi (Thinking): That day... she saved me from them. She was like a goddess.

[Panel 9]

Sheishi is walking down a modern street. A transparent blue "System Window" floats in front of his eyes.

[Status Window]

Physical Strength: 1

Speed: 1

Durability: 1

Agility: 1

Mana/Magic: 200

(Note: This ability allows him to measure the power levels of others too.)

The Reunion

[Panel 10]

Sheishi spots the girl from the flashback walking toward him. He musters his courage to stop her.

Sheishi: "Excuse me! I... I wanted to thank you for saving me last time!"

[Panel 11]

The girl stops and smiles warmly.

Girl: "Oh! You're the boy from that day! You can call me Heihma."

[Panel 12]

Sheishi (Bowing): "Heihma-san, thank you very much for your help. It meant a lot to me."

Heihma: "I was just doing my job as a hunter. By the way... what's your name?"

Sheishi: "My name is... Sheishi Purgatory."

[Panel 13]

Heihma checks her watch.

Heihma: "I have a mission to get to. See you around, Sheishi!"

Sheishi: "O-ok! Goodbye!"

Sheishi (Internal): She was so nice... and so strong.

Action: The Villain Assault

[Panel 14]

Sudden chaos. Explosions rock the city streets. A group of dark, magical villains appears from a portal.

Citizens: "Hunters! Save us! Please, someone help!"

[Panel 15]

Heihma arrives with two teammates. They look like a professional elite squad.

Yamui: Huge guy with a shield (Defense).

Gari: Calm girl with a staff (Healer).

Heihma: Leading the charge with her weapon (Combat Expert).

[Panel 16]

The Villain Leader sneers at them.

Villains: "Ugh, those bastard hunters! They're always ruining the plan!"

Villain Leader: "Enough talk. You! Summon the beasts and tear them apart!"

[Panel 17]

Heihma lunges forward with incredible speed.

Heihma: "Like I'll let you!"

With one fluid motion, she strikes the summoner before he can finish his spell.

[Panel 18]

Sheishi is watching from behind a car, trembling.

Sheishi: "What a pain in the ass... Why does someone like me have to be stuck here?"

[Panel 19]

Sheishi sees the Villain Leader preparing a massive spell. He tries to run forward to help, but the Leader points his hand at him.

Villain Leader: "Steel Magic: Spear of Heaven!"

SFX: SHRIIII—! (The sound of metal forming in the air)

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