章 162: The Fake

realities. It was Alex. But a twisted, distorted reflection. A gaunt, emaciated version of himself with dark circles under his eyes, hunched over with exhaustion. It was the Alex who hadn't become the hero, the Alex who hadn't found his friends, the Alex who hadn't embraced his destiny.

"W-What..." Alex stammered, a primal fear gripping his heart.

The distorted Alex chuckled, a hollow, rattling sound. "Surprised, are we? Not your typical all-powerful god-like image, huh?" He gestured at his skeletal frame.

Alex stared in mute horror.

"Ahh," the distorted Alex continued, his voice laced with a twisted amusement, "but don't worry. You don't actually look like this, do you? In my eyes, I probably appear as someone you hate, wouldn't you agree?"

Alex shook his head, then hesitantly nodded.

"Hmm, interesting," the distorted Alex mused, tilting his head like a curious predator.