As William exited the digital realm and reassembled his physical form, he allowed his body to shift. His muscles expanded, tendons snapping and reforming, and his flesh fused seamlessly with machinery. He became *Springtrap*, a towering amalgamation of rotting flesh, exposed wires, and tarnished metal.
But where others might have expected excruciating pain or an overwhelming sense of horror, William felt nothing but calm. The twisted form felt natural, like it had always been a part of him.
He flexed his clawed hands, feeling the raw power coursing through his limbs. The system chimed in his head, acknowledging the transformation:
[Form Activated: Springtrap]
Attributes: Enhanced durability, mechanical endurance, and self-repair capabilities.
William smirked. "Perfect."
Without hesitation, he began to run. His heavy metallic feet slammed into the cracked pavement, leaving deep imprints as he picked up speed. Powered by a cocktail of advanced mechanics and the metaphysical energy known as Agony, his stamina was effectively endless. His top speed peaked between 50 and 70 miles per hour, but for now, he kept his pace controlled. He wasn't running for speed—he was hunting.
The city was eerily silent save for the occasional distant scream or groan of collapsing structures. Shadows moved in the corners of his vision, but he ignored them. His goal wasn't to fight, not yet. He needed information, allies, and above all, time to strategize.
---
After hours of scouting, William decided to revert to his human form. Flesh replaced metal, his hulking figure shrinking down to that of a sharp-featured man with cold, calculating eyes. The process was seamless, almost unnaturally so. For all his monstrous transformations, he still maintained a certain eerie grace in his movements.
He'd just emerged from an alleyway when he heard a voice calling out.
"Anyone out there? We've got survivors here!"
William turned to see a tall, muscular man with dark skin and a glowing green ring hovering above his hand. His emerald aura illuminated the surrounding rubble as he lifted a massive concrete slab with an effortless wave of his hand.
John Stewart, William recognized immediately. One of the Green Lantern Corps—a soldier, a protector, and one of the most disciplined heroes in the multiverse.
John spotted him and called out, "You okay? You look like hell."
William smirked faintly. "You should see the other guy."
John's ring flared brighter as he scanned William, likely searching for injuries or signs of danger. The Green Lantern frowned, as if something about William's presence didn't sit right with him.
"Doesn't look like you're hurt," John said cautiously, still studying him. "You one of the locals?"
William nodded smoothly, slipping into his role. "Yeah, I was just trying to find a way out of here. Got separated from... everyone."
John's gaze softened slightly. "You're lucky I found you. This area's crawling with those... things." He gestured toward the horizon, where faint growls and movement could be heard in the shadows.
William shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Guess I've got a knack for surviving."
John stepped closer, his ring projecting a barrier of green energy around both of them. "Stay close. I'm gathering survivors in a temporary safe zone. We'll get you somewhere secure."
William followed without protest, though his mind was racing. The presence of a Green Lantern meant the situation was more dire than he'd realized. If someone of John's caliber was on Earth, actively helping civilians, it meant that the merging of the worlds hadn't gone unnoticed by higher cosmic forces.
But more importantly, John Stewart was a potential goldmine of information—and power.
---
As they walked through the ruined streets, William subtly observed John's actions. The Lantern moved with precision and purpose, using his ring to lift rubble, shield against falling debris, and guide injured survivors to safety.
"You always this hands-on?" William asked, breaking the silence.
John glanced at him. "When there's people in need, yeah. The Corps trains us to protect, no matter the situation."
"Even when the situation makes no sense?" William prodded.
John's expression tightened. "You noticed too, huh? This city—it's not normal. Feels like pieces of different worlds got mashed together. And those creatures... they're not from here."
William nodded, hiding his satisfaction. Good. He's already noticing the cracks in this reality. That'll make him easier to manipulate—or avoid, if it comes to that.
As they turned a corner, they came upon a small group of survivors huddled in what used to be a diner. John immediately moved to help them, his ring generating food and water. William stayed back, observing.
---
The system chimed in his head:
[Objective: Gather Intelligence on the Lantern Corps. Recommend Passive Observation.]
William mentally agreed, deciding not to act yet. John Stewart was an ally for now, but William knew better than to trust heroes. They always had an annoying habit of digging into things they shouldn't.
For now, William would play along. He had time—and with that time, he would find the nexus of this fused reality and bend it to his will.
---
As the survivors thanked John, William stepped forward, his smirk returning. "So, Lantern... What's the plan?"
John glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "Stay alive, help who we can, and figure out what the hell's going on."
William's smirk widened. Oh, I already have a plan. Let's see how far I can take it.