Shallow Blood ™
Chapter: A Deal WITH THE DEVIL:
**NARRATOR**
In life, the balance between good and evil is delicate, like a coin with two sides, yin and yang, good and evil, and no one breaches, thus my world which was whole until tragedy struck and the devil threatened to destroy it. A force so strong almost wiped out half of the world and left a scar on the face of the earth. It was a long time ago ,the demon's name was written in old Pahlavi during the time of the valaryan Empire, but I think it translates as LORD JITARA. Here I live , in a prosperous land of the Infernals with tall medieval towers and buildings, split from the desolate land of the Espada after a war caused by King Mórrígan, a disciple of Lord Jitara, the god of the Espada and creator of dark magic. The Infernals, Ruled by the Council of the Ring, among them is Jack Murphy, the strongest among them. The Infernals thrive despite the lingering shadows of the past conflict. Murphy, known as "Purge Kia," is revered for his ability to manipulate gravity. To bend gravity itself was a divine feat achieved by him at the age of 15, and his mercy towards children, having adopted two: Dylan Plane, a 20-year-old man with blond hair and fair complexion who has the ability to control plant life by imbuing his magical energy in plants, and Axel Spade, the same age but dark in complexion, tall with a slim but muscular build and dreadlocks. He is rendered magicless in a world where magic reigns supreme due to his inability to awaken his power.
**THE TRAINING GROUND**It is evening, and the sky is tinged with the colors of dusk. Axel is alone, standing in front of a training dummy, drenched in sweat, his fists clenched in frustration. A few passersby, noticing his struggles, stop to watch and whisper among themselves.]
**PASSERBY 1**
*(laughing)*
Look at him, still trying to unlock his powers. Doesn't he know it's hopeless?
**PASSERBY 2**
*(mockingly)*
A magicless boy in a world of magic? He's wasting his time.
**[Axel hears their words, but refuses to let them break him. He tightens his fists and takes a deep breath.]**
**AXEL**
*(to himself, determined)*
No, not yet. I cannot give up. Not now.
**[As Axel resumes his training, his movements are slow and labored. His frustration grows with each unsuccessful attempt. Just then, he was called by his friends Miguel Hakari, a young man of 21 fully covered in drip (slang for fashionable clothes) with slick-back hair and a mustache. Hakari's abilities are a secret as he only reveals it in battle ,he is the last son of the Kinji clan but he discarded the name and left the clan due to unknown reasons, and John Stones, a boy of 19 who had awakened ice magic but suffered the loss of his parents two years ago he is very weak, but had unlocked the revival corpse technique a move which allows the users to revive dead people for a short period of time and heal.]**
**HAKARI**
*(grinning, fully dressed in fashionable clothes, slicked-back hair shining in the fading light) *
Yo, Axel! Still at it, huh? You've got some serious dedication, man. I'll give you that.
**[John Stones, quiet and reserved, with an air of sadness about him, steps forward, offering a supportive nod.]**
**JOHN**
*(softly)*
Yeah, Axel. We all know how hard you've been working. But maybe it's time to take a break? Rest is just as important, you know.
**[Axel, wiping the sweat from his brow, forces a smile, though the strain shows in his eyes.]**
**AXEL**
Thanks, guys. But I can't afford to rest. Not until I unlock my powers. I need to prove... something to myself.
**[Hakari raises an eyebrow, his usual playful demeanor momentarily serious.]**
**HAKARI**
Prove what? That you can keep up with the rest of us? Man, you've got nothing to prove. We're your friends, magic or not.
**[John looks at Axel with empathy, his voice filled with understanding.]**
**JOHN**
I know what it's like to feel weak, Axel. After losing my parents... well, let's just say, magic isn't everything. But we're here for you, no matter what.
**[Axel looks down, conflicted. Before he can respond, Dylan Plane, Axel's adopted brother, enters the scene with a bright smile, his blond hair catching the last rays of sunlight.]**
**DYLAN**
*(cheerfully)*
Hey, Axel! Hakari, John—good to see you all. What's going on?
**[Hakari smirks, glancing at Axel with a teasing look.]**
**HAKARI**
Just the usual. Axel here is trying to outwork us all. But we're thinking maybe he needs a break.
**[Dylan chuckles, walking over to Axel and clapping a hand on his shoulder.]**
**DYLAN**
He's got that Spade determination, that's for sure. But Hakari's right, Axel. Don't push yourself too hard. You're already doing great.
**[Axel gives a small nod, but his eyes drift toward the training grounds where Jack Murphy—known as Purge Kia—and the Council of the Ring are gathered, watching Dylan closely.]**
**AXEL**
*(barely audible, to himself)*
I wish I could be like you, Dylan... the chosen one.
**[Murphy's commanding voice booms across the training grounds, calling Dylan over.]**
**MURPHY**
Dylan! Time to train. Let's see if you've improved.
**[Dylan glances back at Axel, offering an encouraging smile before jogging over to join Murphy and the Council. Axel watches him go, his heart heavy with envy.]**
**HAKARI**
*(noticing Axel's expression, more serious now)*
Hey, don't sweat it, Axel. You're on your own path. Just because it's different doesn't mean it's any less important.
**[John nods in agreement, his voice gentle but firm.]**
**JOHN**
We believe in you, Axel. You'll find your way.
**[Axel forces a smile, grateful for his friends' support but unable to shake the feeling of inadequacy. He watches as Dylan begins his training with Murphy, the Council of the Ring observing with approving eyes.]**
**AXEL**
Thanks, guys. I... appreciate it.
**[The scene closes with Axel standing a### Scene 2: Dinner with Friends
lone, his friends by his side but his heart still yearning for something he cannot yet grasp.]
*SETTING: A cozy dining room, lit by the warm glow of a fireplace. A table is set with roasted beef. In a bowl with a mountain of fufu and an ocean of egusi soup making it look like an island as the men watch with particular interest. The atmosphere is relaxed, but there's an undercurrent of tension.*
**[Hakari, Axel, and Dylan sit around the table, eating dinner.]**
**HAKARI**
*(smirking as he takes a bite of his food)*
So, Axel, still no luck with the magic, huh? Man, if I were you, I wouldn't be freaking out. The world does not runs on magic, after all.
**[Axel frowns slightly but keeps his tone light.]**
**AXEL**
Yeah, well, not everyone gets to be a prodigy like you, Hakari. Besides, who needs magic when you've got determination?
**[Dylan chuckles, his blond hair catching the firelight as he looks at Axel with a mix of sympathy and concern.]**
**DYLAN**
Don't sweat it, Axel. Everyone's got their own path, right? You'll find yours.
**[Axel stabs his fork into his food a bit harder than necessary, forcing a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes.]**
**AXEL**
Yeah... my own path.
**[Hakari leans back in his chair, eyeing Axel with mild curiosity.]**
**HAKARI**
You know, maybe you just need to get out of your own head. Relax a little. Not everything has to be so serious.
**[Axel looks at Hakari, a flicker of frustration in his eyes.]**
**AXEL**
*(quietly)*
Easy for you to say.
**[Sensing the tension, Dylan changes the subject, glancing at Hakari.]**
**DYLAN**
Hakari, what's the deal with your ability anyway? You're always so secretive about it.
**[Hakari grins, clearly enjoying the mystery.]**
**HAKARI**
A magician never reveals his tricks, Dylan. Let's just say it's best kept under wraps.
**[Axel gives a small, strained laugh, but the tension lingers. He quickly finishes his meal and pushes his chair back.]**
**AXEL**
I think I'm gonna call it a night, guys. Thanks for dinner.
**[Dylan looks at Axel with a hint of worry but nods.]**
**DYLAN**
Sure, Axel. Get some rest.
**[Hakari waves lazily, already half-focused on his food again.]**
**HAKARI**
Yeah, man, don't let the magicless blues get you down.
**[Axel forces a smile and nods, but as he heads to his room, his heart feels heavier than ever.]**
### Scene 3: Training with Murphy and the Council of the Ring
*SETTING: The hallway outside the training room. The sounds of combat can be heard—the sharp crackle of energy and the heavy thud of powerful blows. Axel pauses outside the door, curious.*
**[Axel peeks through the partially open door, seeing Jack Murphy—"Purge Kia"—training with Dylan. The Council of the Ring watches intently.]**
**MURPHY**
*(instructing)*
Focus, Dylan. Channel your energy into the roots. Feel them grow, control them.
**[Dylan nods, his brow furrowed in concentration. He extends his hand, and thick green vines burst through the ground, wrapping around Murphy in an attempt to restrain him.]**
**MURPHY**
*(smirking)*
Good. But remember, control isn't just about power. It's about precision.
**[With a swift motion, Murphy manipulates gravity, pulling himself free from the vines and sending Dylan sprawling back with a controlled push of force. The Council murmurs in approval.]**
**COUNCIL MEMBER 1**
*(whispering)*
He's exceptional, just like Murphy was at his age. Perhaps even better.
**COUNCIL MEMBER 2**
*(nodding)*
Indeed. He's the chosen one, after all.
**[Axel, watching from the doorway, feels a pang of envy. He sees the admiration in the Council members' eyes as they watch Dylan.]**
**DYLAN**
*(getting back to his feet, breathing heavily but determined)*
Again, Father. I can do better.
**[Murphy smiles, a rare, proud look crossing his face.]**
**MURPHY**
That's the spirit. Never settle.
**[Axel turns away from the scene, his heart heavy with a mix of jealousy and frustration. He retreats to his room, feeling more lost and disconnected than ever.]**
### Scene 4: Axel's Vision
*SETTING: Axel's room, night. Axel is asleep, but his sleep is troubled. The room is dim, with moonlight filtering through the window.*
**[Axel stirs in his sleep, vivid images flashing before his eyes. He sees the land of the Infernals in flames, Lord Jitara standing over Murphy's lifeless body. Dylan looks down at Axel with cold eyes from a hilltop.]**
**LORD JITARA**
*(booming voice)*
I offer you power and freedom, my child. Come and join me. They treat you like a dog, but I shall make you my heir.
**DYLAN**
*(harshly)*
Axel, where does your loyalty lie?
**[The scene shifts, and Axel now finds himself in a desolate village within the land of Espada. An old man with a faintly familiar face approaches him.]**
**OLD MAN**
*(softly)*
Here, you shall discover where you belong.
**[Axel tries to speak, but his voice catches in his throat. The old man's face becomes clearer, but just as Axel begins to recognize it, the vision starts to fade.]**
**OLD MAN**
*(echoing)*
Here, you shall find the answers you seek.
**[Axel jolts awake, drenched in sweat, breathing heavily as the images linger in his mind. He glances around his room, still haunted by the vision.]**