INT. UNKNOWN VOID – NIGHT

Close-up on a BLACK ORB resting in a teenage boy’s hand. It pulses faintly, like it’s alive. SHIN YAGAMI (15) stares at it, confused and tense.

SHIN
(quietly)
It’s cold... and heavier than it looks...

ORB’S VOICE (V.O.)
(whispering, dark)
Take me.

Shin whips his head around. The room is silent. Empty.

SHIN
(startled)
Who's there?

ORB’S VOICE (V.O.)
(snickering)
It’s me, you idiot. Look around your neck.

Shin slowly looks down at the orb.

ORB’S VOICE (V.O.)
See? I’m talking to you.

SHIN
(eyes wide, pale)
What? You can talk?

ORB’S VOICE (V.O.)
Of course. After all... you’re my new master.

Shin stares at it — frozen in disbelief and horror.