Chapter 19: Fragments Lost, A Story of Separation

Chapter 19: Fragments Lost, A Story of Separation

Genre: Fantasy | Tragedy | Inner Conflict | Villain Reveal

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[Flashback – 4 Years Ago | Avalon Academy Training Grounds]

A younger Marianne was training — a little clumsy, but with fire in her eyes. Then a voice called out playfully.

Reinhardt (smiling):

"Your footwork's weak… but your spirit's strong."

Marianne:

"Will you teach me then? Or just stand there judging?"

They both laughed.

That was the beginning — of a bond part friendship, part something more…

In Marianne's eyes: a glimpse of happiness.

In Reinhardt's heart: a silence he never voiced.

He liked her.

But he never said it out loud…

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[Present Day – Jungle Battlefield]

While moving deeper into the cursed forest, the team encounters another A-rank demon — wild and chaotic.

Its name: Gorvax — a half-metal beast with glowing red eyes.

The group fights hard, and Reinhardt's sword begins glowing with a strange, dark energy.

His strikes are precise… but distant.

Sylvia (to Hayashi):

"His moves… they're different.

Is this still the same Reinhardt?"

After Gorvax is defeated, the team takes a breath.

But Reinhardt silently walks away into the shadows of the jungle…

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[Secret Scene – Deep in the Jungle]

Perched on a tree branch, Zarek watches with a smug grin.

Zarek:

"So… you came. Just as I expected."

Reinhardt (furious):

"Why did you target Marianne?!"

Zarek:

"Because your emotions are your greatest weakness, Reinhardt.

And I break weak things."

Then comes the reveal — full villain mode activated.

Zarek is a Top 5 demon mastermind, aiming to climb to #1.

He orchestrated the death of Reinhardt's parents centuries ago.

Everything's been part of a long game of revenge.

Marianne?

Just another pawn in his twisted chessboard.

Zarek:

"You think you're strong? You've always been a pawn.

But now… you'll become my knight."

Something snaps inside Reinhardt.

For the first time, a shadow clouds his eyes.

Reinhardt (internally):

"I will learn from you…

But one day — I'll break your game."

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[End Scene – Jungle Exit]

Hayashi and the others begin exiting the forest… unaware that something has changed within Reinhardt.

Hayashi (to himself):

"Reinhardt… something's different about you.

But what?"

The camera pans out. A lone crow takes flight into the sky.

Zarek's echoing voice haunts the air:

Zarek (echo):

"The game has begun, Hayashi Leonhart."

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TO BE CONTINUED…

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Written by: Vishnu (ashx07)

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