_THIRD PERSON POV_
Michael is 25 years old, living in a cramped apartment filled with dark imagery and esoteric books. He gazes out the window, observing the vibrant life outside—a life he feels forever disconnected from. Throughout his childhood, he always sensed that he was different, an outsider in a world that seemed to flow effortlessly for others. While his peers laughed and played, he was burdened by an emptiness, a profound sense that something essential was missing within him.
As Michael reflects on his past, memories flood his mind. He remembers his school days, where he had little interest in studies, dismissing them as trivial. He wasn't afraid of what others thought of him; rather, he feared that they would discover his true nature. He was terrified of being isolated, of being exposed as someone who didn't understand what it meant to feel joy or excitement.
His teachers, frustrated by his lack of interest and incomplete homework, often resorted to physical punishment, beating him for his failures. At home, his parents added to the pressure, their expectations heavy on his shoulders. They urged him to study harder, but their demands only deepened his sense of inadequacy. No matter how hard he tried, nothing changed; he remained lost, drowning in a sea of disappointment.
Growing up, Michael came to realize that he wasn't simply lacking something within; he was an evolved human, devoid of the typical weaknesses that burdened others. While other children felt empathy and sympathy, he found those emotions foreign. He struggled to show the appropriate reactions in conversations, often leaving people puzzled by his stoic demeanor. His interactions were marked by a chilling indifference, as he lacked the emotional depth that connected others.
As he navigated adolescence, Michael became increasingly selfish, prioritizing his own desires and ambitions over the needs of those around him. He distanced himself from relationships, choosing solitude over the vulnerability of connection. This self-centeredness only deepened his isolation, further reinforcing the notion that he was fundamentally different.
He decided to embrace a more rational mindset, prioritizing logic over emotion in his decision-making process. This shift stemmed from a realization that his emotional responses often clouded his judgment and led to impulsive choices. By adopting a more analytical approach, he hoped to gain clearer insights into situations, allowing him to navigate challenges with greater clarity and purpose.
He felt that humans were burdened by their emotions—weaknesses he believed he didn't share. Yet, beneath his calm exterior, he wrestled with jealousy, anger, hatred, and envy. Though these feelings simmered within him, he had honed his acting skills to perfection over the years, masking his true emotions from everyone around him.
This internal conflict left him feeling isolated, as he constantly straddled the line between his genuine self and the carefully crafted persona he presented to the world. While he managed to keep his emotions in check, the pressure of maintaining this facade sometimes threatened to unravel, creating an intriguing tension in his interactions. Would he ever allow anyone to see the turmoil beneath the surface, or would he remain forever locked in his elaborate charade?
As he grew up, he dedicated himself entirely to his studies, ultimately becoming the top student at both his school and university. No one could match his achievements, yet he found himself feeling unfulfilled. He realized that excelling academically and earning the highest marks wouldn't change his true desires. Deep down, he longed for freedom from moral constraints, seeking to break away from societal expectations and explore life on his own terms. Despite his accomplishments, he yearned for authenticity and a sense of self that went beyond traditional measures of success.
While growing up, he often found himself in need, but whenever he reached out for help—whether from family, friends, or relatives—he was met with excuses and indifference. This repeated disappointment left a deep mark on him. Determined to never rely on others again, he resolved to become self-sufficient. Yet, over time, this drive transformed into a darker ambition: he wanted others to experience the same anxiety, loneliness, and despair he had felt. In his pursuit of independence, he unknowingly embraced a mindset that sought to replicate the isolation he once endured, blind to the emotional toll it would take on both himself and those around him.
He was also deeply curious about how others would respond if they faced the same challenges he had. He often wondered what choices they would make in similar situations, eager to understand how different people cope with adversity. This curiosity not only reflected his own feelings of isolation but also intensified his sense of disconnect from those around him.
At times, he was overwhelmed by dark thoughts, contemplating the idea of harming those who opposed him. Frustration and resentment churned within him, fueling a dangerous desire for retribution against anyone who had wronged him. These thoughts both frightened and intrigued him, revealing the depth of his inner turmoil and the profound sense of isolation he experienced.
However, his vengeful thoughts were often tempered by rationality. He recognized that society is governed by laws and that many intelligent people could easily outsmart him. Deep down, he understood that, no matter how strong his desire for revenge, he couldn't realistically confront the entire world. This awareness kept him grounded, reminding him of the futility of such destructive impulses.
He often contemplated the grim reality that a single bullet could end anyone's life, regardless of who they were. No amount of political power, financial wealth, or physical strength could withstand the finality of such an act. This chilling thought reinforced his belief in the vulnerability of even the most powerful individuals, underscoring the fragility of life in a world where violence could so easily alter the course of existence.
Even if he managed to become an underworld don and manipulate the destinies of others, he understood that true safety would always elude him. He would remain vulnerable to betrayal and plots against him, with the constant threat of violence looming over his existence. This realization gnawed at him, underscoring the instability of power built on fear and control. The ambition that once appeared so enticing now felt like a precarious gamble with his life.
But he realized that if he tried to control others at gunpoint, he would ultimately be the first to fall. This insight brought him a sobering clarity: using fear and violence as tools would lead only to his own destruction. He understood that true power lay not in intimidation, but in understanding and connection, even if those ideals felt distant from him.
He chose to walk away from everything. Despite being the top scorer, he decided not to pursue a job immediately. Instead, he returned to his hometown and locked himself in his room to contemplate his next steps. His parents, proud of his accomplishments and optimistic about his future, expected him to secure a good job easily. Yet when they asked him what he wanted to do, he found himself at a loss for words. The weight of their expectations clashed with his uncertainty, leaving him adrift in a sea of possibilities without a clear direction.
He felt deeply confused about his future, as all he truly wanted was to become "the one and only"—to attain a status of absolute control, much like the One Above All, ruling over everything and everyone so that no one would look down on him. However, he eventually came to the painful realization that there was nothing in this world that could make that dream a reality. This painful understanding left him grappling with his desires and the limitations of his ambitions, making him feel more lost than ever.
All he wanted was a foolproof plan to become an unstoppable force, a powerful figure who feared no one—a rival capable of taking on an entire country single-handedly, someone who couldn't be killed in any situation. But deep down, he knew this fantasy was utterly unattainable. In that moment, despair crashed over him like a wave, leaving him feeling utterly defeated. The dream of invincibility slipped further from his grasp, forcing him to confront the harsh, unforgiving reality of his limitations.
Just as he was lost in thought, a sudden sound shattered the silence, sending a shockwave of adrenaline through him. He froze, eyes widening in disbelief as an interface materialized out of thin air right before his eyes.
The glowing screen pulsated with an eerie light, casting strange shadows around him. Lines of text scrolled rapidly, detailing his status, abilities, and an ominous task that loomed ahead.
Michael's heart raced as he struggled to comprehend what was happening. Was this real? A part of him wanted to dismiss it as a hallucination, but the interface was unmistakably there, beckoning him with its dazzling glow. He could feel the weight of its implications pressing down on him, and an icy dread settled in his stomach. This was no ordinary moment; something monumental was unfolding, and he was at the center of it.
!!!DING!!! Extreme Hatred and Unwillingness is detected.....
System Loading...
Zombie Empire System.....
Name: Michael
Age: 25
Bloodline: Human
Subordinates: None
Territory Acquired:
Cities: None Countries: None
System Mechanics:
City Acquisition: For each city acquired, the host receives 1 lottery ticket as a reward.
Country Acquisition: For each country acquired, the host receives 10 lottery tickets as a reward.
SYSTEM TASK: CONTROL THE WORLD
Objective:
Michael doesn't need to control the world directly like an emperor. Instead, he can influence and control the people who hold power in various regions, effectively allowing him to dominate without being in the spotlight.
REWARD: ??????
SYSTEM STORAGE: Zombie Emperor Bloodline
Abilities:
Create and Control Zombies: Michael can create and command zombies, using them strategically in combat, scouting, or to serve as minions
.Bloodline Evolution: As Michael completes tasks and expands his empire, he can unlock new abilities related to his bloodline, enhancing his power and control over the undead.;
Michael was stunned to see this interface, but he knew it was real. Could this finally be the day he gains his freedom?