Chapter 2:

Chapter 2 - The Trials

FAINT

Chapter 2

Panel 2

Exterior shot, F-Class Capital District 4.

Yota sits on the toilet in his worn-down apartment bathroom.

Newspaper covers his face and lap.

YOTA (reading aloud):

“Hmm… let me see.”

“Where are they hiring for E-Class members…”

(Clock ticking at the bottom of the screen)

“10:46:17 Before The First Trial”

⸻

Panel 3

Close-up – Newspaper POV of Yota’s face.

His face shifts to one of annoyed realization.

YOTA:

“A caregiver?! I don’t want to look after geezers—”

“They’re super sweet—still, I don’t feel like being snugged—”

“By a bunch of senior citizens… ironic.”

⸻

Panel 4

Over-shoulder view – Yota grinning as he spots a new listing.

Newspaper now flat on his lap (pants not visible).

YOTA:

“Aha, perfect— They’re looking for sales workers—”

“Just the right job for someone like me!”

“I should be friends with like—millions of people by now!”

PAGE 1

Panel 1

Yota stands up from the toilet – Optimistic pose.

He’s pulling up his pajama pants, one arm up victoriously while holding the newspaper.

YOTA (grinning):

“This should be a piece of cake! I’ll become the—”

“World’s greatest sales employee, and in no time—”

“Become boss of the company! Straight shot to S-Class!”

⸻

Panel 2

Bathroom sink – Yota looking at himself in the mirror.

Newspaper spread on the sink.

We see his reflection, slightly softer expression.

YOTA (softly):

“But… why do I still feel like… I don’t know anyone—”

“Even though I’ve lived a billion years…”

“Feels like everything evolved—”

“And not just the powers.”

(In the corner of the newspaper):

“Buy Issue #1 – The First Continental Hero Comic!”

Interior – Modern office building waiting area.

Yota now wears a wrinkled suit, sweating visibly. He’s clutching his collar clearly uncomfortable.

YOTA (thinking):

“This totally sucks—I’m wearing this suit when—”

“It’s like 90 degrees in here!”

“Plus all that billion years of pep talk I gave myself…”

“…is starting to fade real quick.”

Panel 4

Corner shot from behind secretary’s desk.

Yota, mid-fidgeting with his collar, is caught off guard.

SECRETARY (calling out):

“Mr. Yota, the manager would like to see you.”

YOTA (snapping to attention):

“Huh…?”

⸻

PAGE 2

Panel 1

Inside the manager’s office – Interview setup.

Middle-aged manager Brad sits behind a desk, open collar, chewing gum, cool attitude.

Yota sits in front, a bit tense.

BRAD:

“Yota—no last name? What’s the deal with that?”

YOTA (awkward, scratching his head):

“It’s part of my… belief…?”

⸻

Panel 2

Split close-up panel – Brad raises a brow, unimpressed.

Yota sighs in relief, thinking he got away with it.

BRAD:

“Haven’t heard of that before… guess so.”

YOTA (internal sigh):

(Sigh…)

⸻

Panel 3

Brad leans back in his chair, smirking faintly.

He glances at the resume on his clipboard.

BRAD:

“You’re an E-Class, huh? You know we don’t pay that much for those…”

(beat)

“Unless you’re willing to work under the books, of course.”

⸻

Panel 3.5

Close-up – Yota’s expression shifts.

His face twists into sudden frustration, eyes narrowed, annoyed. His thoughts race internally, brows furrowed.

YOTA (thought):

“Willing to work underpaid?!—”

“Not this again…”

“He hasn’t even asked me about my experience.”

⸻

Panel 4

Close-up – Yota, calm but darkened.

His tone is low, almost cold. He looks down slightly, eyes shadowed with disappointment.

YOTA (low, curt):

“Sorry, but—thanks.”

⸻

Panel 5

Exterior – Yota sits on the curb outside the building.

His suit jacket is off, draped over one knee. His posture is slouched, head down, visibly drained. The office building looms behind him.

YOTA (muttering):

“Honestly—there’s no point to this Class upgrade—”

“I still can’t find a decent-paying job…”

“That doesn’t underpay us E-Class.”

⸻

Panel 5.5

Upward gaze – Yota looking at the sky.

Now leaning back with both hands planted behind him for support, Yota stares up at the sky. His face is tired, half defeated.

YOTA:

“And my rent is also due in a few days—”

“I don’t even know what to do anymore…”

PAGE 3

Panel 1

Wide shot – Yota enters his apartment through the front door, already taking off his suit jacket. He hangs it next to the door on a small jacket rack. The walls are cracked and worn down. A roach crawls near the crack. Yota cringes slightly as he notices.

YOTA:

“I’ve got to move out of this place…”

⸻

Panel 2

Back POV – Yota sits on the edge of his bed, staring at the TV. On the screen, the Fourth Continental Hero walks a red carpet surrounded by photographers and cheering fans.

TV REPORTER (on screen):

“Here comes the Fourth Continental Hero returning from a civil war that has been raging for three years in Dairo, ending it all by himself!”

YOTA:

“Ending a civil war—by yourself… who’s this guy?”

⸻

Panel 3

Front POV – Close-up of Yota turning off the TV with the remote. His expression is uneasy as the glow of the screen fades.

YOTA:

“This kind of power barely existed then—”

“…People sure have gotten stronger while I—”

“sat back and did nothing…”

⸻

Panel 4

Ceiling POV – Yota lies in bed, half-covered by his blanket. His eyes stare upward at the ceiling, lost in thought.

YOTA:

“Has the 5th one also evolved—being born in this era?”

“Could he—be stronger than me?”

“—I wonder where he could be…”

⸻

Panel 5

Side shot – Yota reaches for the lamp. His hand rests on the switch, but he’s already fallen asleep mid-motion.

YOTA (quietly):

“Too much to think about right now… I’ll figure i..t ou…t late…r…”

SFX:

“Zzzzzzz…”

(Clock ticking at the bottom of the screen)

“3:01:59 Before The First Trial”

PAGE 4

Panel 1

Exterior shot – Nighttime.

Wide view of the WUG Academy. Sleek military building under a moonlit sky. The WUG logo stands boldly in front.

Panel 2

Interior dorm – Middle of the night.

Recruits 31–40 sleep in darkness. Ten beds, five per side. All appear calm, unaware.

Panel 3

Kert bursts in.

Door slams down. He stands on it like a captain, holding a bell. Hallway light floods in.

KERT (serious):

“Rise and shine, young recruits—”

“The trials are about to begin!”

Panel 4

Small panel.

Recruit 33 wakes, rubbing eyes. Recruit 32 sits up, startled.

RECRUIT 32:

“Geez, did you have to startle us like that—”

“And why are we getting up so early…”

Panel 5

Kert dramatic.

Hand to chest, teary-eyed, noble posture.

KERT:

“Because, young recruits of this great nation—”

“Day or night doesn’t rest during war. Neither will we!”

Panel 6

Kert gives orders.

Recruits groggy. Some confused. Recruit 33 rubs eyes.

KERT:

“Now head to the dining hall for breakfast—”

“And wait for further instructions on the trial!”

RECRUIT 33 (muttering):

“Does he always get teary when he says something heroic…”

⸻

PAGE 5

Panel 1

Dining hall stage – Wide shot.

Sergeant Kert and 4 officers stand above crowd. Recruits eat, talk.

MS. MERBLE (calm):

“May I have your attention.”

Panel 2

Back view of Ms. Merble.

Recruits turn toward her, serious and silent.

MS. MERBLE:

“Shortly, we will begin the first of two trials—”

“You will need to pass to become officers and heroes.”

“Only 20 out of 100 of you will graduate.”

Panel 3

Round table – Reactions.

• Recruit 7: overstuffed, shocked.

• Recruit 1: arms crossed, calm.

• Recruit 4: disgusted by 7.

• Recruit 10: calm but tense.

• Recruit 5: anxious.

• Recruit 3: sarcastic, relaxed.

• Recruit 2: worried.

RECRUIT 7 (mouth full):

“Only twurnty of us arfs gurna pass?!”

RECRUIT 4:

“How about you finish eating before talking.”

RECRUIT 2:

“Do I need to be worried?”

RECRUIT 3:

“You idiot, you’re the second strongest here.”

Panel 4

Close-up – Recruit 32 panics internally.

Sweating. Others whisper around him.

RECRUIT 32 (thought):

“If only 20 of us are going to make it—”

“And I am the 32nd weakest one…”

“I’M TOTALLY SCREWED!”

Panel 5

Daley whispers to Ms. Merble.

MS. MERBLE:

“I understand.”

Panel 6

Addressing crowd.

MS. MERBLE:

“Recruit 60 has been disqualified from the trials, for insubordination—”

“And is currently being treated by the academy’s own hospital.”

“Until he has fully recovered.”

Panel 7

Corner POV – Recruits whisper.

• Recruit 17 to 18: worried.

• Recruit 11 in back, smirking.

RECRUIT 17:

“We have to stay away from him.”

RECRUIT 11:

“Insubordination, is that right…—teh”

Panel 8

Ms. Merble on stage.

MS. MERBLE:

“Remaining 99 of you will proceed with the first trial.”

“You will be split into 5 groups, each led by an officer.”

“The shorthanded group will be with the Sergeant—”

“As he is the strongest officer in the academy.”

Panel 9

Split panel – Table 1–10 & 91–100.

Saki, Recruit 2, Recruit 3 present. Recruit 91 nervous.

MS. MERBLE (caption):

“Group A, led by me the Lead Corporal—”

“Will feature Recruits 1 to 10,—”

“Paired with Recruits 90 to 100.”

PAGE 6

Panel 1

Dining Hall – Group B Announcement.

Three-panel split:

• Left: Recruit 11 smirks confidently.

• Right: Recruit 81 lounges lazily, toothpick in mouth. Recruit 85 behind him, excited.

• Middle: Ms. Cassy stands poised, long white braid flowing. Sora stands to her right.

MS. MERBLE:

“Group B, led by Ms. Cassy the Junior Lead—”

“Will consist of Recruits 11–20 and 81–90.”

RECRUIT 85 (cheering):

“Score! We got the hottest officer as our captain!”

Panel 2

Daley Introduction – Side panel.

Ms. Merble continues, as Daley stands smugly near the back.

MS. MERBLE (caption):

“Corporal Officer Daley will take charge of Group C—”

“Recruits 21–30 will pair alongside Recruits 71–80.”

⸻

Panel 3

Sora’s assignment – Background detail.

Ms. Merble stays calm, while Sora points to himself with both hands and a grin.

MS. MERBLE:

“Group D, led by the no-potential Corporal Officer Sora—”

“Consists of Recruits 31–40 paired with 61–70.”

⸻

Panel 4

Table 31–40 – Reaction shot.

Recruit 32 slams his face onto the table, defeated.

Recruit 33 looks at him awkwardly, unsure what to say.

MS. MERBLE (off panel):

“He goes by that name, for he is proud to have no powers.”

RECRUIT 32:

“Of course we get the corporal with no potential—”

“….yea, there’s no way I am passing this thing.”

Panel 5

Kert’s group assigned – Small half-body shot.

Kert stands composed as Merble assigns his group.

MS. MERBLE (caption):

“Final shorthanded Group E, led by the Sergeant—”

“Are Recruits 41 through 50 as well as 51 to 59.”

⸻

Panel 6

Stage transition – Crowd reaction, off-panel yell.

Merble begins to step off stage. Officers stand calmly in background.

Kert takes one step forward toward center stage.

MS. MERBLE:

“Now that the groups are arranged—”

“The Sergeant will explain further instructions for the trial.”

RANDOM RECRUIT (off panel):

“Why are we teamed up with the strong recruits—”

“That’s not fair, we stand no chance against them!”

⸻

PAGE 7

Panel 1

Kert’s response – Calm mid-walk.

Back POV of Merble walking off, Kert stepping forward with serious expression. Recruits in foreground watching.

KERT:

“Yes—and that’s how the system works.”

⸻

Panel 2

Kert stands front and center – Wide panel.

He looks slightly sorrowful, yet firm.

KERT:

“Our government is built on status and power—”

“And its focus is to rid of the weak ones first.“

“With no chance of false hope.”

⸻

Panel 3

Close-up – Recruit 91’s frightened face.

He stares forward at Kert, whispering to himself.

RECRUIT 91 (small speech bubble):

“We’re—the weak ones..?”

KERT (off panel):

“No offense…”

⸻

Panel 4

Kert regains his composure – Background fades white.

He stands tall, hands behind his back, calm but resolved.

KERT:

“But I also believe in destiny— and determination.“

“From that alone, no one knows what will happen.”

“Which brings us to this first trial—“

⸻

Panel 5

Stage – Over-the-shoulder shot from behind Kert, facing the recruits.

The crowd looks on from below — some with nervous eyes, others visibly anxious or stunned.

KERT (louder)

“Our objective is to remove all members of the 5—”

“F-Class districts. Relocate them and if they refuse—”

“Eliminate them, as orders from the higher class government.”

CROWD (bold):

“What—!!”

PAGE 8

Panel 1

Close three-shot – Table 1–10.

• Center: Saki sits calmly, staring forward, unfazed.

• Left: Recruit 2 (Cal) sits worriedly beside him, glancing over.

• Right: Recruit 3 (Toya), relaxed, one arm behind his chair, speaking sarcastically.

SAKI:

“Tsk—they want us to do their dirty work...”

TOYA:

“—And exterminate what they call unworthy…”

⸻

Panel 2

Table 71–80 – Shocked reactions.

• Recruit 76, a 21-year-old woman, clasps her head, horrified.

• Recruit 79, beside her, is equally panicked.

Others at the table whisper or stare in disbelief.

RECRUIT 76:

“Wait—my brother lives in F-Class District 3!”

RECRUIT 79:

“Me too!—I have relatives that live in the F-Class districts!”

⸻

Panel 3

Interior – Trial Room. The crowd murmurs loudly. Officers try to calm the room.

• Sgt. Kert sighs, raising one hand slightly.

• Officer Sora gestures with both hands, urging calm.

• Daley stands with a faint smirk, arms crossed.

• Ms. Merble and Ms. Cassy remain composed, hands calmly at their sides.

KERT

“I understand your concern, and please listen—”

“This is our concern as much it is yours—“

“Together, we can minimize damage as much as possible”

CROWD (off panel):

“You don’t understand anything!”

“We have family there, man—please!”

Panel 4

Table 51–60 – Panic erupts.

Recruit 55 stands beside his chair, face pale, trembling.

Other recruits around him glance up, startled.

RECRUIT 55 (panicking):

“I don’t want to stay here—”

“If I have to help kill my own family!”

“I want to leave out of here!”

⸻

Panel 5

Daley – Calm but threatening.

Close-up of Daley’s face, no longer smirking. His voice cuts through.

DALEY:

“Too late. You’ve already heard the mission.”

“If you step foot out of these doors, you’ll be blacklisted—”

“And shipped directly to Hunter’s Continent.”

⸻

PAGE 9

Panel 1

Over-the-shoulder – Daley behind Kert on stage.

Daley continues speaking harshly.

• Sora looks sideways at him, slightly alarmed.

• Kert turns to glance at Daley, worried.

• Recruit 55 remains standing in the crowd, visibly shaken.

DALEY:

“This isn’t the ordinary trial that takes place every year.”

“That reason alone, you 99 recruits here will be monitored—”

“From here and moving forward.”

Panel 2

Close-up – Recruit 55’s mental breakdown.

White background. He clutches his head, thinking in panic.

RECRUIT 55 (thoughts):

“Blacklisted if I leave?!—Hunter’s Continent?!”

“It’s all my fault for coming in here—”

“I just wanted to be a hero and help my family!”

⸻

Panel 3

Daley’s return to menace – Tight grin.

Close panel. His smirk has returned.

DALEY:

“And there’s no need to coward, you weaklings—”

“There was a reason this year especially was chosen—”

“Isn’t that right, 1…blessed son of an Eon?”

⸻

Panel 4

Table 1–10 – Heads turn toward Saki.

• Recruit 1: calm and focused.

• Recruit 2: startled, leaning back toward Saki.

• Recruit 3: sarcastic glance at the group.

• Recruit 4: annoyed, eyeing Saki with suspicion.

• Recruit 7: blushing slightly, eyes wide.

• Recruit 10: skeptical, questioning gaze.

RECRUIT 2:

“Saki…did you do something wrong…?”

RECRUIT 10:

“Son of an Eon—is that even possible?”

RECRUIT 7 (intrigued):

“You’re so cool and mysterious, fella…”

PAGE 10

Panel 1

Split panel – Two emotional recruits.

• Left: Recruit 93 stands, voice trembling, nearly in tears.

• Right: Recruit 55 has collapsed back into his chair, eyes wide, hair messy, overwhelmed.

RECRUIT 93:

“I can’t afford to leave—I need to become an officer—”

“To help my mom’s treatment!”

RECRUIT 55 (thought, small):

“I…have to stay. I have no other choice…”

⸻

Panel 2

Close-up – Daley, grinning with cruel pride.

Shadows emphasize the villainous nature of his smile.

DALEY:

“Patriotism at its finest.”

⸻

Panel 3

Kert interrupts – Commanding presence.

Back on center stage, Kert gestures forward, cutting Daley off mid-atmosphere.

Sora, Merble, and Cassy stay composed.

KERT

“Recruits, please! At least allow us to—”

“Continue with the rules of the trial. All further—”

“Questions, please ask them later.”

⸻

Panel 4

Back POV – Kert with hand to chest.

Kert stands, facing the recruits. The crowd is noticeably quieter now — tension still lingers, but the chaos has settled.

KERT

“Everyone—thank you for your patience.”

“I apologize… for the burden we will all soon carry—”

“Throughout this trial…”

⸻

Panel 5

Stage-wide – Calm before the storm.

Kert now stands fully upright, centered on stage, addressing all 99 recruits. The officers remain behind him, still.

KERT:

“Now Iet me explain the rules of the first trial.”

“First 40 recruits who capture or eliminate the most—”

“F-Class members before dawn—”

“Will advance to the next trial.”

⸻

PAGE 11

Panel 1

Medium shot – Kert addressing the crowd.

He scans the room. His tone is firm but measured.

KERT:

“The remaining 59 recruits will be disqualified—”

“Sent home once the trials have concluded.”

⸻

Panel 2

Close-up – Kert, serious yet calm.

His fists gently clench at his sides. His voice softens slightly, more personal.

KERT:

“For those of you labeled ‘weaker,’ now paired with the strong—”

“Do not be afraid. Be courageous, even if—”

“The system itself stands against you.”

“Destiny is yours to choose.”

⸻

Panel 2.5

Table 51–60 – Emotional support moment.

Recruit 55 sits slouched in his chair, eyes downcast, tears visible. Recruit 51 pulls a chair close, placing a hand gently on 55’s shoulder. Recruit 53 stands beside them, calm but concerned. The three are framed closely — 55 in the middle, overwhelmed but not alone.

RECRUIT 51:

“55—we also have families there. It’s okay…”

RECRUIT 53:

“Together, we’re going to help each other—”

“Make sure all of our family are safe in this…”

⸻

Panel 3

Close-up – Recruit 55 wiping his eyes.

He wipes away tears with the back of his hand. His face is still distraught, but there’s a small glimmer of relief.

RECRUIT 55:

“Thank you… guys…”

Panel 5

Stage panel – Kert final address.

He’s now centered, calm but commanding. Officers behind him.

KERT:

“Now that you’ve been briefed on the trial—”

“Return to your rooms for now.”

“You’ll be called once preparations are complete.”

(Large, bold):

“DISMISSED!”

PAGE 12

Panel 1

Table 31–40 – Recruits standing up slowly.

Some recruits are already rising, some still seated. As you see in the background 55 being carried helped by 51 and 53 as 55 has both his hands on their shoulders walking as 51 and 53 are assisting him going back as you see them walking together sad in the background

Recruit 32 looks uneasy as he turns to Recruit 33, who’s already standing.

RECRUIT 32:

“Are you still gonna stay… even after what they said?”

RECRUIT 33:

“I don’t think I have much of an option—”

“None of us want to get blacklisted,”

“Or sent to who knows where…”

⸻

Panel 2

Close-up – Recruit 32 lowers his eyes.

Slightly discouraged, but not defeated. Half-body.

Recruit 33 stands in front of him.