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Netherworld - Noru's Journey

Rocket_Oficial
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Synopsis
In a post-apocalyptic world that once faced wars between men, today they unite against a common enemy: monsters. Join Noru Takeda on his journey to become the best monster hunter and, together with his friends, discover mysteries, epic fights, and heartbreaking moments.
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Chapter 1 - Chapter One – I Want to Be a Hunter!

The protagonist begins narrating the origin of monsters and the five regions that currently exist.

Noru Takeda

In this world, there have always been two great forces that maintain the balance between life and death. We all are part of them through our vital energy, keeping the cycle going. However, 500 years ago, this cycle was broken.The great powers of that time waged a massive war. For five years, they destroyed the planet using their most powerful weapons, seeking total control without thinking of the consequences of their actions.The balance between the two forces was lost. Darkness swept across the world, resurrecting the dead and turning some animals into enormous beasts. The great powers allied when they learned of this, but it was in vain; the only option was survival.Over the years, an organization arose dedicated to hunting monsters and reclaiming captured cities.

(Scene: The city is seen from the protagonist's room window. Focus shifts to the interior of the room, a poster of a black silhouette with a header "Rottenrow" and the poster's footnote "Where the best hunters emerge")

Nowadays, we live in peace thanks to them, and my dream is to become a hunter. But not just any hunter—I want to be like my heroes. Ordinary people like me call them the Diamonds.And today, I finally have the chance to take the exam to join the organization. I've worked hard in the academy for this day, and I won't waste it.

(Scene change: he arrives at the dining room excitedly, sees his sister at the table having breakfast, father in the background cooking. 6:00 AM)

Oyuki Takeda (Sister)

Wow, you woke up early. Who would have thought that was possible?

Noru Takeda

It's a very important day. I can't afford to miss this opportunity by being late.

(Father enters the dining room with two plates, hands one to his son)

Makoto Takeda (Father)

Good morning, son… so you're really determined… you're going to take the exam…Don't you think it would be better to wait another year? Just as a precaution so you'll be better prepared. (Serious atmosphere, worried expression)

Noru Takeda

Dad, we already talked about this. I have to take the exam. I haven't qualified during the last two selection periods, but this year, I truly feel ready. I know I can do it.

Makoto Takeda (Father)

(Takes a deep breath) I can't refuse to let you take the exam. Your mother would have wanted me to respect your decision. It's just that I still can't accept that you chose this path for your life. (Smiles with resignation) Not everyone can live knowing a loved one could die at any moment. (Tension eases) I just want to ask you to take care of yourself.

Noru Takeda

Relax, Dad. I understand your concern, but I'll be fine, and one day you'll see me as a highly recognized hunter.

Makoto Takeda (Father)

That will happen. Now finish your meal so we can go to the train station.

(Scene change: train station, few people around)

Oyuki Takeda (Sister)

(Pushes him) Come on, brother, get on the train. The faster you go, the faster I can take over your room.

Noru Takeda

(Hits her on the head lightly) Selfish little sister. Now I see why you supported the idea of me joining the hunter organization so much.

(Father enters the scene)

Makoto Takeda (Father)

Here's your ticket, son. The District of Fame—a very interesting place. I've heard that the legacy of the most famous hunters in history is displayed there in the central city museum.

Noru Takeda

That's what I've heard. They chose that location for the museum to honor one of the best hunters in the organization who was born there.

Oyuki Takeda (Sister)

It's just a legend, Noru. Besides, the statues and weapons displayed there are simple replicas, and none of the statues have faces.

(Noru reacts annoyed)

Makoto Takeda (Father)

Well, the important thing is that you'll be able to take the exam. Give it your best effort; maybe one day, you'll be as famous as your father.

Noru Takeda

(Embarrassed) Sure, because an architect is very famous these days.

Makoto Takeda (Father)

I'm not just an architect. I am THE ARCHITECT. Say that in the organization, and I assure you'll make friends instantly.

Noru Takeda

Ah… yes, I'll do that. Well, it's time for me to go.

Oyuki Takeda (Sister)

(Hugs him before leaving) Good luck, brother. I'll miss you.

Noru Takeda

I'll miss you too, Oyuki.

(He boards the train, which starts moving. He leans out the window to say goodbye)

Oyuki Takeda (Sister)

Ready, he's gone. (Shakes her hands)

Makoto Takeda (Father)

Yes, now you and I will discuss why you know so much about the District of Fame. (Shows annoyed expression) As far as I remember, I never took you there on a trip.

(Oyuki looks worried)

(The train passes through the city, later a giant wall outside the city is seen with green fields and trees. Beyond the wall, destroyed cities, barren land, and withered trees are visible)

(Scene change: arrival at the District of Fame station)

Noru Takeda

(Getting off with a suitcase) Finally, I arrived. Where is my guide? The letter said someone would pick me up at the station.

(He starts walking around looking for someone, sees the public bathrooms, decides to enter)

Noru Takeda

It seems they haven't arrived yet. Maybe I'll have time to explore a little.

(A gas bomb enters under the bathroom door. Outside, a blow hits the door, everything goes black)

(Noru wakes up on a bed outside a building with glass doors. Other beds and people in the background. Stone decorations, trees in the distance, and some battle towers are visible)

Noru Takeda

Where am I? The last thing I remember is going to the bathroom. (Reads the building sign) Administration?! So… this is the entrance to the organization? But how did I get here? I hope someone inside can explain what's happening.

(He enters and stands in line. Two people are in front of him)

Noru Takeda

Wow, if this is really the hunters' organization, there are fewer people than I expected for the exam.

Noru Takeda

(Looks around) But the people who came look very strong. Their mere presence gives me chills.

Noru Takeda

Good morning, excuse me, could you tell me if this is…

Receptionist

(Interrupts) Your applicant pass, please.

Noru Takeda

Applicant pass? Ah, you mean the letter. Here it is.

(Receptionist searches the name on a computer, holographic screen, scans the official organization seal)

Noru Takeda

(Excited) So this really is the hunters' organization. And… could you tell me how I got here? I don't remember anything. (Embarrassed)

Receptionist

Here it is. Go down the hallway to the left, portal number 1, green. Here's your band—wear it on your right arm—and your survival kit.

Noru Takeda

(Thinking) He ignored me. (Disgusted face)

Receptionist

Next.

Noru Takeda

(Heads to the indicated room) What is all this? A bracelet and an arm band? Don't understand. Has the exam already started? (Serious expression)

(Enters the room, sees three portals with numbers above)

Noru Takeda

These must be the portals they told us about in the academy. They transport people from one place to another in seconds. It's my first time seeing one. (Excited)

Noru Takeda

It's time. (Runs into the portal, crashes into a wall)

Noru Takeda

Ouch, that's right, you have to wait a few seconds in the middle of the portal for it to work.

(Enters portal and disappears)

(Appears in another portal inside a small sanctuary. Opens the door, sees cabins and large wooden buildings, stone paths, people walking doing tasks)

Noru Takeda

This is different from what I'm used to. There are few people, and the atmosphere is very calm.

(Starts walking through the village)

Noru Takeda

HEY, WAIT!!!

Fakuro (Owl)

Hello, sorry for being late. You're Noru Takeda, right? My name is Fakuro. Nice to meet you.

Noru Takeda

Nice to meet you, Fakuro. So you're the one who will explain what's happening here?

Fakuro (Owl)

Something like that. I'm your guide hunter. Follow me, I'll explain the details on the way.

(They leave the village toward a forest with bushes)

Fakuro (Owl)

To take the exam, you must have a guide hunter who will teach you how to use the items given at the administrative building.The band you're wearing identifies you in the hunter organization. It shows your rank based on its color and embroidery. As a candidate, your band is white with no special embroidery.

(Noru notices a design)

Noru Takeda

And what does the design inside the band mean?

Fakuro (Owl)

That's the logo of the nation you belong to.

Noru Takeda

I see. I remember learning about them in the academy. The four great nations each protect one of the End Orbs to maintain peace and balance in the world.

Fakuro (Owl)

Looks like someone was the smart one in class. I used to be the annoying friend who got them into trouble. But let's not get off topic.The nations are identified as follows: a lion for Egoland, a snake for Slander, a deer for Karma, and a panda for Rottenrow.

Now let's talk about your survival kit…

(Stops and stares at a bush)

Noru Takeda

Fakuro, are you okay?

Fakuro (Owl)

Shhh, be quiet. Look in that bush.

(Something emerges from the bush)

Noru Takeda

A rabbit? It's cute, but what's so special about it?

(Fakuro disappears, Noru surprised)

Noru Takeda

Fakuro, where did you go? (Whispers)

(Turns to the rabbit)

Noru Takeda

HOO HOOO!!!

(Fakuro lifts the rabbit with his legs, disappears into the trees)

Fakuro (Owl)

(Appears next to Noru) Look, I caught it. Tonight I'll have meat for dinner.

Noru Takeda

So you usually eat rabbits?

Fakuro (Owl)

Sometimes. They're abundant in this forest, but I don't come here often. Nights are dangerous. Come on, let's keep walking.

Noru Takeda

Okay.

Fakuro (Owl)

Where was I? Oh right, the survival kit. Touch the bracelet screen to project a panel showing all the items inside. That's your inventory.It contains the basics for survival: a sword, pickaxe, axe, and hoe—your tools.

Noru Takeda

Wait, but they're made of wood. Can this even cut?

(Takes the sword from the holographic inventory)

Fakuro (Owl)

(Takes the sword and cuts Noru's palm)

Noru Takeda

Ouch.

Fakuro (Owl)

See? It cuts. Let's continue. (Throws the sword back)You'll also find three water bottles, two tubes of Hinero, and two of Sealant. Hinero is red; it prevents death from extreme temperatures, pressure, or gases while mining. Sealant is blue, used on wounds. Apply as needed; it heals quickly, preventing death by blood loss before you reach the organization. But it has limits.

Fakuro (Owl)

Any questions?

Noru Takeda

None. You explained everything well.

Fakuro (Owl)

(Boastful) Not to brag, but I'm the best at this. By the way, we've arrived.

(Pan to clearing in the forest, sunlight entering)

Noru Takeda

Okay… where exactly are we?

Fakuro (Owl)

I don't know. The order was to take you as far from the central village as possible.

Noru Takeda

What?!

Fakuro (Owl)

The exam begins now, kid. If you're lucky, you'll survive until dawn. Goodbye.

Noru Takeda

Wait, don't… go! I still have many questions. (Sad expression)What do I do now? I don't even know what the real exam is. Maybe I have to return to the central village, gather resources, or find a special item. There are so many possibilities.

(Flashback, remembers Fakuro's phrases)

Fakuro (Owl)

"The forest is abundant, but I don't come here often. Nights are dangerous.""In the inventory, you have basics to survive: a sword, pickaxe, axe, and hoe.""If you're lucky, you'll survive until dawn."

Noru Takeda

Ah, that must be it. He mentioned the rabbits as a food source. (Looks at inventory) The sword is for protection. He said the forest is dangerous at night—probably due to wild animals. There can't be monsters loose inside the organization…

(Continues with strategic thoughts, prepares to gather food and build a shelter, struggles with rabbits, collects apples, builds a small wooden shelter, night falls, zombies appear, battles them, breaks the sword, jumps into a lake, finds a hollow oak tree to hide, spends the night there.)

(Morning, sunlight enters hollow tree)

Noru Takeda

(Yawns, stretches) Good morning. Oh, right, I'm in the hunter exam. If it's morning, the monsters should have disappeared—they're destroyed by sunlight. I guess it's safe to come out.

(Exits the tree, panoramic view from nearby mountain shows three characters: one sitting on a rock, another standing, Fakuro observing with binoculars)

Fakuro (Owl)

Wow, he survived the night. I didn't expect him to make it this far. After the first hour, I thought he was dead.

Focus (Crow)

Luck. He survived in a very stupid way.

Fakuro (Owl)

But he did. In the end, it doesn't matter how, only that he achieved his goal.

Focus (Crow)

(Calmly) This is why the organization is in decline. Many talented hunters died tonight, ones who worked hard to be here, now three meters under or in a monster's stomach, while someone mediocre like him survives. Isn't it unfair?

(Voice from behind them: Raiden, sitting on a rock)

Raiden

Unfair? Maybe you're right. It's sad for prodigious hunters to die—they deserved greatness. But it didn't happen. Focus, remember, they chose that fate. Nobody forced them to take the exam, as we three once decided. Talent isn't everything; sometimes cunning and a little luck make the difference.He survived today, and I applaud his feat. Don't judge too soon. Remember one thing: luck isn't eternal. If he dies tomorrow, you'll only gain satisfaction for being right. But if not, maybe we're witnessing a hunter who one day will be at your level, helped by a bit of luck. (Smiles kindly)

(Fakuro laughs in the background)

Focus (Crow)

(Embarrassed after reprimand) I'll keep that in mind, Superior Raiden. Fakuro, stop wasting time—continue with the registration!

Fakuro (Owl)

(Still laughing, checks a list) Alright, no need to get mad. Number 286 is still alive. Let's move to sector 4.

(Scene change: a palace-style room, a hunter looks out the window)

Massaru (Scientist)

Sir Kenai, here's the report of hunters who survived the night.

Kenai Ozawa

Very well, Massaru. Did you notice anyone interesting during the exam?

Massaru

Some show great potential. This year, we were blessed with dozens of talents. Among them, there's an MVP.

Kenai Ozawa

An MVP… it's been so long since I've heard that. Track them along with the other hunters you deem useful.

Massaru

Understood, Sir Kenai. (Turns toward exit)

Kenai Ozawa

Massaru, when ready, bring them to me. Only the best. Don't waste my time with mere failures.

Massaru

Understood. With your permission, I'll leave now.

(Pan to Kenai's face)

(Final panels: Noru looks at the landscape, determined and committed)

End