Scene 1: Calm Before the Storm
The city is in uneasy calm after Ruel's Crimson Core display.
R-18 stands in his Zone Zero headquarters.
His eyes are cold, unreadable.
"Time to accelerate the evolution," he whispers to his followers.
Scene 2: Hidden Motives
R-18 reviews his data on Ruel.
"Flame King… powerful. But too compassionate."
He smirks.
"If only he understood that power demands obedience."
Scene 3: Subtle Manipulation
One of R-18's closest followers hesitates.
"Sir… should we confront Ruel directly?"
R-18 shakes his head.
"No. First, we weaken him from within."
Scene 4: The First Sabotage
A Crimson Core Subject under Ruel's guidance suddenly collapses mid-training.
Ruel rushes to help.
But R-18's remote interference had triggered the instability.
Scene 5: Ruel's Concern
Ruel looks at the collapsing Subject.
"This… shouldn't happen," he mutters.
R-16 whispers,
"Someone is interfering."
Scene 6: R-18's Deception
R-18 enters Ruel's territory disguised as a mediator.
"I am here to help stabilize your Subjects," he claims.
Ruel is cautious but listens.
Scene 7: First Doubts
Ruel notices strange inconsistencies in R-18's behavior.
His suppression energy sometimes flickers, but the Crimson Core Subjects feel slightly weaker after each session.
Scene 8: The Insider
A Subject loyal to R-18 secretly transmits intelligence back to Zone Zero.
"Ruel is strengthening too fast," R-18 says. "We need a decisive strike."
Scene 9: Strategy Meeting
R-18 gathers his inner circle.
"Once Flame King's trust grows… we betray him."
Maps of the city, potential traps, and Subject weaknesses appear on the table.
Scene 10: Ruel's New Lesson
Ruel continues to train his Subjects.
He notices subtle drops in their flame efficiency.
"Something is wrong," he tells them. "But we will overcome it."
Scene 11: Unexpected Assault
Late at night, a small strike team of Subjects loyal to R-18 attacks Ruel's base.
Explosions, fire, and confusion fill the streets.
Ruel barely keeps control.
Scene 12: The Trap
Ruel follows the trail of destruction.
He discovers that R-18 had set up an ambush.
R-18 stands at the center of the fire, calm as ever.
Scene 13: The Confrontation
"R-18… why?" Ruel yells.
R-18 smiles faintly.
"Because compassion is weakness. I will lead the evolution properly."
Scene 14: Clash of Titans
Crimson Core ignites.
R-18 spreads his suppression field.
The streets around them fracture.
The battle is personal, intense, and destructive.
Scene 15: The First Betrayal
R-18's closest followers refuse Ruel's command mid-fight.
Ruel realizes the betrayal is deeper than expected.
The city trembles under the combined clash of fire and suppression.