The Thing now had a human body—muscular, powerful, and eerily familiar.
It could feel emotions, and adapt to any human language within seconds.
In the heart of Egypt stood the Alaviel Empire, a civilization so magnificent it overshadowed even its own myths.
But within that splendor lay a rotting secret:
The empire had been split in two by a colossal wall—the inner zone and the outer zone.
And any contact between the two was strictly forbidden.
To infiltrate the inner zone, The Thing approached the gate guards, claiming to be a prince from an imaginary kingdom.
He spoke gracefully, choosing words with grandeur.
But the guards weren't fools.
They didn't believe the story and demanded proof.
He understood—this path was blocked.
Without hesitation, he seized the nearest guard and subdued him in a single move.
Seeing his unnatural strength and terrifying physique, the other guards backed away.
The inner military forces were alerted immediately.
But The Thing knew more chaos wasn't necessary.
He took a deep breath... and surrendered.
As armored soldiers shackled him and dragged him away, the people of the inner city watched.
Curiosity, fear, disgust...
But above all—unease.
At last, he was brought before Queen Ezha.
---
Guard 1: My Queen... I bring this man before you. At the gate, he claimed to be a prince. When he failed to provide proof, he captured the guard next to me.
Guard 2: Yes, my Queen. He's fast. Extremely strong. He must be executed at once. Otherwise, he could be a grave threat to our people.
The Thing stepped forward.
His eyes locked on the Queen's, unwavering.
The Thing: I've seen your people on the other side of the wall. They drown in poverty, chaos, and depravity. And you do not rule them.
Queen Ezha: Sharp observation. Yes, that part is no longer under my reign. The society there is corrupt—beyond repair—
Before she could finish, The Thing raised his voice.
The Thing: I have a proposal, Queen.
Set me free.
Allow me to live among them—for one week.
In seven days, I will change them.
The Queen faltered, her court watching closely.
If she refused and the public heard of it, they would realize she had intentionally neglected the outer people for years.
She had no choice.
She sighed... and accepted the offer.
---
Sunset.
The Thing was released.
He walked through crowded streets and entered a dimly lit building that served as both tavern and inn—
A place filled with the most dangerous men of the outer zone.
He stepped in slowly. The air was heavy, thick with smoke and tension.
A man couldn't take his eyes off him.
A chained dagger hung from his neck; scars cut across his face.
He stood, smiling.
Man: From the outside... but you're different. There's something strange about you.
The Thing: I seek only shadow. I prefer silence.
The man approached.
Leaning close, narrowing his eyes.
Man: Your face is familiar, but I can't place it...
No matter. Around here, names mean nothing—fists speak louder.
If you stay, there's one rule: First night, first fight.
The Thing paused.
"Before I bring chaos, I must reveal just how rotten their order is."
He slowly raised his hand.
A dark, swirling orb appeared in his palm.
The room fell completely silent.
The Thing: This is no fight. You will bear witness.
The orb rose into the air.
Within it appeared images—starving children in filthy alleys, decaying streets, people tearing each other apart.
A projection of the real world's darkness spilled into the center of the tavern.
The crowd watched.
Some spat on the ground.
Some looked away.
But all of them saw.
The Thing: In one week, this vision will change.
You will either walk with me...
Or rot beneath your broken wall.
The tavern leader dropped to his knees.
His eyes were vacant.
The others backed away in silence.
The Thing asked for a room.
That night, the tavern was silent.
But for the first time, the city began to stir.