Vertical manga page, 2:3 ratio, 300 dpi, high resolution. Style: Gothic European engraving + Victorian manga, pen line, precise halftone shading, paper texture. Black & white with halftone gradients; accents: warm yellow (lamps), faint light green (hair/eyes highlights). --- CHARACTERS --- Thomas Hale ā age: 16ā17 years, adolescent, slim, wavy chestnut hair slightly messy, almond-shaped eyes, light freckles, youthful oval face, student uniform (dark shirt, vest, trousers, boots). Gestures: nervous, awkward, cross-sign performed clumsily. Damian "Dam" Crow ā age: 19ā20 years, young adult (DO NOT make older than 20). Appearance: dark straight hair slightly below shoulders, strands partially covering face, eyes often closed, defined cheekbones, smooth skin (no wrinkles), no mature signs. Clothing: black jacket, dark trousers, t-shirt under jacket with readable Latin text: "Break the System by T. Spears." with a crossed-out dove silhouette. Prop: bass guitar case leaning against the wall. Pose: head slightly tilted back, one hand raised, other relaxed. (Strict age reminder: repeat "Dam 19ā20 years, do not make older than 20" in all relevant frames. Repeat Thomas 16ā17 years, adolescent in all his frames.) --- FRAMES --- --- FRAME 1 --- Wide overview (top of page). Academy corridor. Thomas (16ā17) in center, slightly slouched, chestnut hair messy, hands in vest pockets, perspective stretching into distance, students with folders. Background small atmospheric "growling" sound as See more