The Kingdom of "Lanius" spans vast territories blending primordial nature with architecture inspired by fantasy. Its outskirts are dominated by dense forests with towering trees whose peaks seem to touch the sky, their intertwined trunks resembling vigilant guardians protecting the kingdom from intruders. Winding rivers snake through the thick greenery.
Within the kingdom, the contrast is striking. The central city is fortified with solid walls made of a blend of black stone and advanced metals. The buildings range in height from modest two-story structures to towering spires that pierce the skyline.
The streets are wide and paved with polished stones, bustling with life. Markets line the streets, showcasing unique weapons crafted from a mix of organic and metallic materials, as well as local foods with strange shapes and flavors. Diverse transformed creatures move alongside the transformed humans, who mostly maintain human-like appearances but exhibit distinctive traits such as glowing eyes, unusual skin tones, or limbs with unconventional designs.
Adam walked through the streets of Lanius alongside Kath and Bebo, awestruck by the vibrant world around him. Everything seemed alive in ways he could never have imagined. Animals that once lived as silent creatures now walked on two legs, conversing and debating like humans. Some wore elegant clothes, while others retained a wild edge in their appearance.
The transformed humans were a blend of the familiar and the extraordinary. Some had skin in striking, luminous colors—gleaming green, metallic blue, and even hues resembling shadows. Others bore ridges or scales on their arms, which sometimes extended to their faces, giving them majestic or intimidating appearances.
The streets were bustling yet orderly. Shops lined both sides, displaying a variety of goods. One shop specialized in weapons tailored to enhance the abilities of the transformed. Another was a lively restaurant serving dishes Adam couldn't identify, though the exotic aromas were tantalizing. On the roadside, mobile carts sold brightly colored drinks, their vendors being transformed animals handling the transactions with surprising dexterity.
Commerce seemed surprisingly natural despite the stark diversity among the inhabitants. A wolf-like creature spoke animatedly with a transformed human customer whose arms ended in metallic extensions. Nearby, a family of bronze-skinned mutants strolled happily, their young child—his glowing skin radiating softly—chasing a ball with infectious laughter.
Adam muttered under his breath, "This... is so strange. It feels like an entirely different world."
Bebo, lowering his voice and glancing around uneasily, added, "Why is everyone staring at us?"
Kath smirked, his ear twitching slightly toward the crowd. "They're not staring at us, genius. They're staring at our human friend."
It had been obvious since the moment they entered the Kingdom of Lanius. Curious, astonished, even expectant gazes followed Adam wherever he went. How could they not? Among all the fantastical creatures and transformed humans, Adam stood out as something rare—a being untouched by mutations. His natural human skin bore no blemishes, glowing veins, or alterations. No ridges, no radiant lines, no fundamental changes to his physique. To the inhabitants of Lanius, he looked like a myth walking among them, a figure plucked from ancient legends.
As Adam walked through the streets, he caught the curious stares directed his way, and a confident smile spread across his face. His expression reflected pure delight. "Honestly," he said, grinning brightly, "I like this. Being something rare... being one of a kind. It feels amazing!"
He continued walking with a confident stride, his smile unwavering. Occasionally, he waved lightly at those watching him, as if soaking in every second of the unusual attention.
From behind him, Bebo leaned closer to Kath and whispered, "He's enjoying this way too much, isn't he?"
Kath replied with a sarcastic tone, shaking his head slightly, "As if we didn't already know that."
The murmurs from the crowd grew louder, their curiosity spilling over into audible whispers:
"A genuine human..."
"Look at his appearance and clothing!"
"Maybe he's a mutant, just hiding his transformation with some kind of body paint..."
Amid the growing hum of voices, a group of transformed individuals emerged from the throng, parting the crowd with their presence. Their arrival was sudden, sending a ripple of unease and apprehension through the gathered onlookers.
They were clad in formidable armor adorned with elements resembling monstrous creatures, as though their gear had been forged from the remains of the beasts they had vanquished. Each set of armor was uniquely colored and bore intricate markings that hinted at specific abilities, making them appear as if they had stepped out of an ancient and fearsome legend.
Their faces were hidden beneath imposing helmets, though the designs left their eyes exposed—eyes that glowed with an intimidating intensity, exuding an aura of control and fear. Their mere presence was enough to make Adam, Kath, and Bebo freeze in their tracks, as a shiver of dread snaked through their hearts.
Kath swallowed hard, his voice trembling as he muttered, "They're... the Royal Guard."
Bebo, clearly shaken, tried to back away discreetly, attempting to blend into the crowd as though he could vanish and avoid any potential confrontation. But Adam, despite his evident trembling, extended a firm hand and grabbed Bebo tightly, hissing in a shaky but urgent voice, "Wait! Where do you think you're going?!"
Bebo turned to him with an odd, detached expression and replied with unsettling calmness, "Who are you? Do I know you?"
Adam's eyes widened in utter disbelief. He shook Bebo forcefully, shouting, "What?! What are you saying?!"
But the crowd left them no time to ponder, retreating silently and creating a clear path for the Royal Guard, who approached with measured and imposing steps.
One of the guards, seemingly the leader, spoke in a deep, commanding voice: "You three, King Aron summons you."
The trio walked silently, surrounded by the Royal Guard. Eyes from every corner followed them, filled with curiosity and wonder. This unusual sight—humans being escorted through the heart of a kingdom of shifters—was enough to captivate the attention of every onlooker.
Adam took a deep breath and whispered cautiously to Kath: "Kath, what is Aron like?"
Kath responded in a steady, low voice, attempting to ease Adam's nerves: "Lord Aron is a human shifter, a remarkable and incredibly powerful individual. Honestly, everyone admires and respects him. He fears no one, but when it comes to judgment, he's fair and unflinching. He knows what needs to be done and doesn't hesitate."
When they reached Aron's residence, it wasn't the palace Adam had envisioned. Instead, it was a modest, three-story house surrounded by an expansive garden. The garden was lush and serene, with natural springs and streams scattered throughout and a variety of fruit trees dotting the landscape. The scene was vibrant and calming, exuding an air of tranquility. Guards were stationed discreetly in strategic locations, keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings.
Adam gazed at the house with a mix of surprise and admiration. "This is beautiful, but... I expected something grander. Does he really live here?"
As they approached one of the garden's natural springs, they saw a figure seated on a simple wooden chair. It was Aron, watching them with calm, penetrating eyes and a warm smile on his face.
Aron was unlike anyone Adam had ever seen before. His green skin glowed faintly, his long black hair cascading down to his shoulders. His lower fangs protruded visibly, lending him a slightly fierce appearance that didn't detract from his striking handsomeness. His muscular and solid build was evident, and he wore short, well-tailored pants made of a goblin-like fabric—though far more refined and human in design.
Standing up slowly, Aron smiled kindly and spoke in a soft, tranquil voice: "Welcome, original human."