Page 1
A sparkling valley with hills covered in glowing, crystalline vines. Floating lanterns drift overhead. It's peaceful—almost too peaceful.
LEO (off-panel):
"This place is beautiful."
LEON:
"It's also cursed."
LEO:
"...Why wouldn't it be."
Page 2
Leon and Leo walk a path between vines that shimmer with magical light. Workers tend to the crops using floating tools.
LEO:
"So, why are we here? Another Thread?"
LEON:
"Nope. Just passing through—also, the wine here is legendary."
LEO:
"Seriously?!"
LEON:
"Even heroes need snacks and drinks."
Page 3
At a small vineyard cottage, an old dwarf named Granith greets Leon with a bear hug.
GRANITH:
"Leon! You're back! And you brought… an intern?"
LEON:
"More like an emotional support disaster."
LEO:
"Hey!"
Page 4
That night: The group gathers for dinner under the stars. Music plays, laughter, wine flows. Leo relaxes, for once.
GRANITH (to Leo):
"Ever seen a vine sing?"
LEO (confused):
"...What?"
Page 5
Granith leads Leo to a crystal trellis. The vines hum softly and glow brighter—until suddenly, they scream.
LEO (leaping back):
"OKAY THAT'S NOT NORMAL."
LEON (appearing casually):
"They're screaming because something's corrupted the roots."
Page 6
The next morning. The vineyard is quiet. Too quiet.
A shimmering fog rolls in. The vines twist unnaturally.
GRANITH:
"This started a week ago. Something in the caverns below…"
LEON:
"Figures. You grow magical vines near a temporal fault, they always get moody."
Page 7
Leon and Leo descend into a crystal cave beneath the vineyard. The walls pulse faintly. Echoes whisper.
LEO:
"I don't like this."
LEON:
"Good. Stay alert."
A shadow darts past them.
Page 8
They're ambushed by crystalline beasts—golems shaped like twisted wine vines with glowing cores.
LEON:
"Go for the core. And don't get crushed. Or skewered. Or vaporized."
LEO (nervous):
"Great advice, thanks!"
Page 9
Battle scene:
Leo fights clumsily but with heart. He uses the terrain, distracts enemies, finally cracks a golem with a leap and strike to the core.
Leon finishes two others effortlessly, not even drawing his full power.
LEO (panting):
"Are… they gone?"
LEON:
"For now. But corruption this deep? It's spreading. Fast."
Page 10 (Final panel):
Back above ground. The vineyard breathes again, but Leon looks toward the horizon.
LEO:
"What's next?"
LEON (serious):
"We find the next Thread. Before whatever's rotting this world beats us to it."
Caption:
"Next: Duel in the Sky Temple!"