[Christopher - Central Region, Late Evening]
The room was quiet — not the peaceful kind, but the kind that felt heavy, like the walls were listening. In his left hand, Christopher held a photograph. It was wrinkled, the edges worn, but the image was clear. It was a photo of Queen Loraine and William Stride, taken inside William's private office.
The two weren't just standing beside each other.
William's hand rested lightly on Loraine's back, her face tilted just slightly toward him, a smile softer than politics would allow. It was subtle — not obvious to the untrained eye — but to Christopher, it was as clear as blood on marble.
> "This… doesn't look like a worker and a Queen," he muttered, coldly.
He stared at it again. If there was anyone who could've made moves behind the scenes without suspicion, it was them. Loraine — now in control of the Western Region. And William — the Head of the Army, and the father of the newly risen noble "Evren Stride."
And yet… it wasn't proof.
Just a hunch.
But Christopher had learned that hunches weren't always wrong.
He stood up slowly, the chair creaking beneath him. The photo crumpled slightly in his hand.
> "Maybe he was involved. Maybe not. But… he's the only thread I have."
He looked outside the window. Rain tapped gently against the glass.
> "I'll pull that thread… and if he unravels — then I'll know."
He turned to the shadows behind him. "Tell the Black Chamber: prepare for a quiet kidnapping. I want William Stride — alive. No unnecessary noise. We'll ask questions… and get answers."
A silent nod came from the darkness.
> "It's time."
---
[Daiki / Evren - Central Velmora, Near Capital]
Evren sat on a comfortable leather chair, his elbows resting on his knees. His fingers were clasped together, chin resting on his knuckles. His new room was big, warm, and quiet — a luxury he never had back on Earth.
But right now, none of that mattered.
His eyes were locked on a glowing screen hovering in front of him. Light blue letters burned into the air like they were etched on glass.
[Manifestation Imprint System]
→ Evolutions: 0
→ Manifestation Level: 1
→ What do you want, Evren?
He didn't know how many times he'd read that same line. It had been hours since the Jin left him here — this room, this world, this new body.
Evren stood up and walked to the mirror. He touched his reflection. His body was lean, tall, good-looking. Definitely stronger than the weak, overworked waiter from Earth.
> "I'm not poor here… I'm actually the son of someone important," he said aloud.
William Stride. Head of the army. His new "father."
He didn't even know what that meant yet. But he knew one thing.
> "I have to kill Christopher. That's the mission. But the Jin said I had time… until I die, or Christopher dies."
Evren scratched his head. "So technically… I don't have to rush."
He turned back toward the floating system screen.
> "Let's try something small."
He raised his voice slightly, clearing his throat.
> "I want to be taller."
Nothing happened for a second.
Then — the text glowed. A new message appeared:
(Manifestation Wish Registered: I want to grow taller)
→ Progress: 1/10,000 Tasks Complete
→ Instructions:
Be specific (how many inches?)
Imagine yourself consistently
Say it 1000 times
Do something about it (exercise, stretch, posture, etc.)
Evren blinked. "What...?"
> "10,000 tasks… just to grow taller?!"
He stared at the screen. "Okay… let's say, five inches taller."
The text pulsed.
Progress: 2/10,000 Tasks Complete.
He scratched his head again. "Wait wait wait. So I have to do things to manifest my desire? It's not instant?"
He sat down again. "So… this isn't a cheat system. It's like… a wish-grind system. The more I want, the more I work, the more it becomes real."
Evren's expression shifted. A small grin pulled at the corner of his lips.
> "Interesting."
He walked toward the window. Outside, the central region city buzzed with activity. Merchants, nobles, commoners, soldiers. All part of this kingdom — his new world.
Evren looked at the system again.
He typed slowly, clearly:
> "I want to become the most powerful man in this world."
The system didn't reject it.
But it responded:
(Manifestation Wish Registered: Become the most powerful man)
→ Progress: 0/1,000,000 Tasks Complete.
Evren chuckled.
> "Alright then… one step at a time."
He walked to his wardrobe and pulled out a noble coat. His next stop?
He needed information.
About Christopher.