Deep in a mountain range far from any notable human settlement lay a series of cave networks hidden from plain view.
This vast expanse of tunnels spanned miles across the entire mountain range, threatening to disorient anyone unfamiliar with its treacherous terrain.
Beyond its maze-like structure, the cave was riddled with traps and deceptive mechanisms, all set in place in case of an enemy siege.
Figures dressed in all-black clothing and head coverings moved with purpose throughout the caves.
Some stood guard at the entrance, their eyes gleaming dangerously under the moonlight. Others patrolled the surrounding area, while a few engaged in various tasks deeper inside.
Further within—where human activity became scarce—was a massive cavern, its darkness pierced only by the occasional torch flickering on the walls.
The cavern's ceiling stretched so high that anyone looking up from the ground would see nothing but darkness.
At the heart of the cavern stood a massive stone chair, carved in the likeness of a royal throne, fit for someone of high rank.
In it sat a man, appearing to be in his late twenties or early thirties.
Like the others, he wore black clothing, but golden trims lined his neck and wrists, marking him as someone of higher status.
A single golden ring glowed faintly on his outfit, highlighting his lean but muscular frame. His long black hair, tied in a ponytail, framed his face, with a few strands falling over his eyes.
If not for the jagged scar running from above his right eye down to his cheek, he might have been mistaken for a model.
He sat in silence, head resting on his knuckle, while his other hand gripped the scabbard of a blade.
His eyes trembled beneath closed lids, sweat glistening on his brow, reflecting the dim torchlight. His body shuddered lightly at first, then more intensely.
If someone were watching, they would think he was trapped in a nightmare.
Just as the trembling threatened to spiral out of control—
BOOM.
Thunder cracked across the entire mountain range.
---
The guards outside stopped and looked up in confusion. There were no storm clouds.
After seeing nothing unusual, they returned to their posts as if nothing had happened.
---
Back in the cave, the man who had been shaking now lay still. His expression was peaceful.
Slowly, his eyelids fluttered open, revealing coal-black eyes.
His gaze swept across the cavern, filled with confusion and unfamiliarity.
A smooth, deep voice echoed softly through the chamber.
"Where am I?"
Michael massaged his temples, trying to soothe the splitting headache that throbbed behind his eyes.
How did he get here?
The last thing he remembered was pulling an all-nighter—seven days straight—to finish a new book he had been obsessed with.
On the final day, just as he was about to read the last chapter, a flash of light burst outside his window, followed by a thunderclap.
Then—nothing.
And now… he was here.
Rising shakily from the stone chair, Michael called out,
"Hello...? Is anyone there?"
...
Silence.
Faced with the unknown, Michael began to panic.
His breathing quickened. His hands trembled. Thoughts raced through his mind, each more chaotic than the last.
Years of watching crime documentaries and murder mysteries bubbled to the surface, pushing him toward dread.
Have I been kidnapped?
Why would anyone kidnap me? I'm just… me.
What's going to happen to me?!
His legs buckled. He collapsed to the ground.
Overwhelmed by fear, Michael's eyes rolled back as he passed out cold.Some time later, his eyes flickered open once again.
The same dark cavern surrounded him, but this time, his expression was calmer—almost familiar.
Kung Lao's hideout.
Strange memories surged into his mind, explaining where he was and what this place was.
Looking down at himself, Michael whispered,
"Who am I… Michael, or Xiao Ren?"